2017-02-19 - The Sunday - Las Vegas by Greenspun Media Group

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Accepting

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the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

contents

The BBC highlighted a study finding that humans are drawn to dogs that share certain physical characteristics, and that the animals take on aspects of their owners’ traits: agreeableness, neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness or openness.

10 12 34 43

noteworthy stories

time to pay attention

on the cover After 15 years, the conflict over a proposed development near Red Rock has momentum. (Photo illustration)

There’s a network of neurons in your brainstem that controls your sensory experience of the world, and it plays a key role in how well you assess potential threats. In five minutes, we’ll make you an expert on being situationally aware. more NEWS n Climate change denial, P18

to build or not to build?

A few miles from the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center, a piece of land has long been tugged between development and conservation. The smoldering conflict is reaching another crescendo, with the Clark County Zoning Commission about to vote on a revised concept plan for a residential project that activists hope to block.

ministry on the court

Their jerseys read “Jesus Wins,” and the pregame routine before Sunday night rec-league basketball includes a quick prayer. This is Heiden Ratner’s WALK Church, and the former college player (and local high school star) wants to bring the faith and his favorite sport to as many people as possible.

remark media is BURGEONING

Try saying “global digitalmedia technology conglomerate” five times fast. Remark Media earns the mouthful, as the owner of vegas.com, bikini.com and other lucrative sites and a player investing heavily in attracting millennials and dipping into consumer data intelligence. Leadership says: “We believe this is just the beginning.”

more news bag of Nevada energy news 20 ANVgrab Energy is asking regulators to boost in-

seeing the lights

From color temperature to lumens, you don’t know as much as you think you do about your light bulbs. more life n Adoptable pets, P32

n Recipe, P30 n Calendar of events, P40

centives for rooftop solar, and coal is dead.

Why labor laws don’t favor strippers Lawsuits have piled up and been won over the years, but not much has changed.

opinion

Key page gone from White House website We’re told the primer on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act will return, but ...

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GROUP PUBLISHER Gordon Prouty ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Breen Nolan

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THE SUNDAY 2275 Corporate Circle Suite 300 Henderson, NV 89074 (702) 990-2545 FOR BACK COPIES: $3.99/copy plus shipping. Call Doris Hollifield 702.990.8993 or email doris.hollifield@gmgvegas.com JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA: #TheSunday Want more Las Vegas news? Follow @lasvegassun, @VEGASINC and @lasvegasweekly

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NEWS

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FEB. 12 - FEB. 25

WEEK IN REVIEW WEEK AHEAD NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE

LAS VEGAS VALLEY, AND BEYOND

LIFE

A HEARTFELT LESSON

Children’s Learning Adventure kids look on as a heart navigates the crosswalk at East Russell Road during a pedestrian safety detail on Valentine’s Day. Officers with Metro Police and CCSD were on hand to cite violators. (L.E. BASKOW/STAFF)

FEB. 14

LOVE ON PAPER Clark County issued 284 marriage licenses. The local bureau issues about 120 on a typical Tuesday, though it was 379 on Valentine’s Day last year, when it fell on a Sunday.

FEB. 14

BIGGER SWITCH Las Vegas-based Switch announced the opening of the first of seven data centers to be built on the Citadel Campus in the TahoeReno Industrial Center next door to Tesla’s Gigafactory.

FEB. 15

FEBRUARY MASHUP At its regular meeting, the Las Vegas City Council recognized winners of an essay contest for Black History Month as well as the 100th anniversary of Girl Scout cookies.

FEB. 16

A DAY WITHOUT Mariana’s and La Bonita grocery stores were among local businesses that closed in solidarity with immigrants who skipped work and school to stress their significance.

FEB. 25

HITTING BACK The Runnin’ Rebels will try to exact revenge on their instate rivals when they host Reno at 3 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack. The Wolfpack embarrassed UNLV Feb. 8, 104-77.

89,061 Nevadans who signed up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchange for 2017, about 900 more than in the previous year. More than 12.2 million people have signed up for coverage nationwide in 2017.

THE SUNDAY FEB. 19-FEB. 25

NEWS

SPORTS

BUSINESS

LIFE

GAMING

POLITICS

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

170,000 Number of immigrants illegally residing in Las Vegas, Paradise and Henderson, the 14th largest population in the country, according to the Pew Research Center.

THE STRIP

HOLY MATRIMONY (WITH A SIDE OF HOT SAUCE) The Strip’s Taco Bell Cantina flagship announced it will offer “the most craveable matrimonial experience to ever hit Las Vegas.” The $600 wedding package includes a Taco Bell garter, bow tie, sauce packet bouquet, “just married” T-shirts, flutes of Champagne, a 12-pack of tacos, a Cinnabon Delights Wedding Cake and, of course, the ceremony and officiant.

CELEBS SPORTS

CLASICO AT CASHMAN

San Jose Earthquake Chris Wondolowski takes a selfie with fans after the soccer team’s California Clasico exhibition game against Los Angeles on Feb. 11 at Cashman Field. San Jose won, 1-0. (LAS VEGAS NEWS BUREAU/STAFF)

KNIGHTS OVERNIGHT POLITICS

IT’S NOT A STATEMENT, IT’S THE WEATHER

The Vegas Golden Knights will host a 24-hour open house at T-Mobile Arena starting at 8 a.m. Tuesday. Fans can tour the facility and take part in activities such as street hockey and shooting pucks in a cage.

The American flag that flies over the Nevada Capitol in Carson City has been missing for close to three weeks, according to a maintenance spokesperson. High winds broke a cable on the flag pole, and snow, rain and wind have prevented crews from fixing the problem. The flag should be flying again in the next few days, the spokesman said.

SPAT OVER SHADES A Las Vegas man who says Justin Bieber assaulted him in Cleveland eight months ago has filed a police report about the fracas. Rodney Cannon, 34, claims in the Feb. 14 filing to Cleveland police that the pop star took his sunglasses after a Cleveland Cavaliers playoff game. He says Bieber and possibly a bodyguard punched him, and that he wrestled Bieber to the ground.

$14.8 MILLION

LIFE

AIRBORNE PAMPERING

A dog is given a free nail trimming at the Doggie Lift booth Feb. 11 during the annual Pet Expo at the World Market Pavilion. (YASMINA CHAVEZ/STAFF)

Amount of flood damage in Northern Nevada in early January cited by Gov. Brian Sandoval in a letter to President Donald Trump asking to declare it a major disaster area.

THE SUNDAY FEB. 19-FEB. 25

TAKE NOTE OF EXITS WHEN YOU’RE IN PUBLIC PLACES SUCH AS SHOPPING MALLS OR MOVIE THEATERS.

PAY ATTENTION AND

STAY SAFE BY THE SUNDAY STAFF

From James Bond to Sherlock Holmes, the silver screen’s masters of deduction show that simply paying attention can make you seem psychic. If you see threats coming, you can neutralize them. If you anticipate disasters brewing, you can avoid them. Think extreme survival instincts. ¶ Real-life agents of law enforcement and covert ops are trained to have heightened senses and quick reaction time, but it’s useful for anyone to know how to hone situational awareness. It might help you avoid everyday chaos or keep you safe from real danger.

WHAT IS SITUATIONAL AWARENESS? It’s knowing what’s going on around you. If you’re driving, it’s scanning the road for hazards and anticipating the actions of other cars. If you’re at a party full of unfamiliar faces, it’s making sure you don’t get isolated with someone who makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? ■ Research shows that drivers who are distracted by complex tasks other than driving are at three times greater risk of being in a crash.

■ A leading cause of accidents in aviation is not equipment malfunction nor terrorism but Controlled Flight Into Terrain, a phenomenon wherein pilots don’t even realize they are flying directly into an obstacle until it’s too late.

■ The U.S. Department of Defense’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program emphasizes situational awareness as a prevention tactic for both potential victims and bystanders who might intervene.

WHAT DAMPENS YOUR AWARENESS? ■ Fatigue ■ Drugs or alcohol ■ False sense of security ■ Distractions inside your head or in the environment

Humanity’s situational awareness has arguably decreased. Back in the frontier days, people worried about attacks by wild animals or outlaws, so they were attuned to sensory cues. Now, a lot of eyes are glued to smartphones, said Fred Burton, a former counterterrorism agent for the U.S. State Department and chief security officer for strategic intelligence company Stratfor. He said many people have a false notion of safety, walking around with their heads buried in their devices. “Look at people at bus stops or airports. You can see for yourself how totally unaware of their surroundings they are.”

IF YOU SENSE YOU’RE BEING FOLLOWED, JOT DOWN DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PERSON’S APPEARANCE, CAR MODEL AND PLATE NUMBER.

5-MINUTE EXPERT

“It’s not being paranoid or obsessively concerned. It’s simply increasing your focused awareness for periods of time when you could be — from the law of probability — more vulnerable.” –Fred Burton

THE SUNDAY FEB. 19-FEB. 25

WHAT CONTROLS SENSORY AWARENESS? The reticular activating system (RAS) is a network of neurons and neural fibers running through the brainstem. While one portion plays a role in sleep and waking, breathing, the beating of the heart and other essential functions, another connects to the cerebellum and the nerves that drive our senses. The RAS is what allows us to consciously focus our attention, which is key to situational awareness. HOW IS RAS USED TO SCAN A SCENE? Once the conscious choice is made to pay attention, the RAS switches off filters that keep your senses from being overwhelmed. Heightened senses allow you to hear and see better and clearly feel instincts that can steer you from danger. Imminent Threat Solutions (ITS), an online platform for survival training, says the key is knowing an environment’s baseline: “what things look like, sound like and feel like when nothing much is going on.” Think of Las Vegas in terms of neighborhoods. Downtown moves, sounds and feels a certain way on a typical day, as does the Strip and outlying communities. The combination of activity and sensory information determines an area’s baseline, and it’s what your brain uses to pick up on disturbances.

It’s important to establish a baseline of activity when in a new place. Also, keep the following in mind: ■ Concentric rings of disturbance: Imagine a field where animals are grazing. When a predator appears, the prey reacts, alarm radiating out from the first set of eyes to spot the threat. It happens in urban settings, too. If you’re in a nightclub and a fight starts, there’s a ring of disturbance from the incident that might prompt you to leave — or approach for a better look. ■ Practice makes perfect: The more you get in the habit of noticing disturbances, the faster and better you’ll be at interpreting them. It’s a process of constant monitoring and assessing potential threats.

AVOID MAKING THESE MISTAKES NOT PAYING ATTENTION

WHAT EXACTLY IS A ‘GUT FEELING’? That tingle in your stomach that you’re in danger is worth listening to. People subconsciously notice signs of danger — seeing something out of place or feeling a sensation of being followed. Combining the visual of a stranger who appears menacing and the resulting rush of fear, your brain pushes you to flee.

If you’re too distracted to monitor the baseline, you’ll miss cues that something isn’t right. So, train your brain to pay attention. Conscious effort will eventually transition to constant subconscious monitoring. You’ll condition yourself to notice more and react faster.

NORMALCY BIAS Our desire for things to be OK can sometimes override our survival instincts. We might sense danger but ignore it by rejecting the stimulus that suggests a threat. It might feel like paranoia at first, but if you spend time looking at every baseline disturbance as a potential threat, you’ll learn to sort out real risk.

FOCUS LOCK TAKE MENTAL SNAPSHOTS OF WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND YOU SO YOU’LL NOTICE OBJECTS THAT SEEM OUT OF PLACE.

Distractions can be so compelling that they draw all of your focus, blinding you to other stimuli. “The smartphone is the single most effective focus lock ever invented,” according to ITS, so leave it in your pocket if you’re transitioning from your office to your car.

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

s p r i n g m o u n ta i n r a n c h s tat e pa r k

TOO close fo T h e

b a tt l e

b u i l d

n e a r

R e d

159 B lu e D i a m o n d r o a d

By Daniel Rothberg | Staff Writer

he story begins almost 250 million years ago, with the ocean and geology and gypsum. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area was under an ancient sea, at a time when what is now Utah marked the continent’s coastal boundary. ¶ Movements in Earth’s crust pushed the land up, and when water dried in pocketed lake beds, it left salt and sometimes gypsum. ¶ Today, gypsum is used to make wallboard, plaster of paris and classroom chalk, and the soft sulfate is still excavated down the road from Red Rock, following a history of mining activity in the region. But opportunities for commercial activity have diminished since the 1960s, when Congress began withdrawing land for public use to protect an area that drew hikers, bikers and climbers

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the sunday

Cover story

feb. 19-feb. 25

rED rOCK CANYON the gypsum mine is about 5 miles from the red rock Canyon Visitor Center.

SUMMErlIN

Or cOmfOrT? c k

c a n yO n

i s

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GYPSUM MINE

to its rust-toned Calico Hills. ¶ Much of that protected landscape became the Red Rock Canyon NCA. About 2 million people visit each year, according to the Bureau of Land Management. The most prominent sight might be the escarpment, an orange face of Aztec sandstone with a reddish-brown band between lighter rocks. The layers are an inverted geologic map of Nevada. ¶ “We don’t have Lake Tahoe. We have Red Rock,” said U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas. “And now you’re putting 5,000 houses up there?” ¶ Titus’ rhetorical question cuts to an issue Clark County has been grappling with for years and is expected to consider at a meeting on Wednesday: whether to approve the plan for a master-planned community of 5,025 homes near Red Rock. p h oto by L . E . b as kow/sta f f

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

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d evelopment, from page 1 4

The expected vote follows mudslinging from all sides since October, when county planners unanimously recommended denial of the project. But the conflict goes back to 2002. The county has since been caught between what it sees as two litigious parties, and some commissioners are bracing for the issue to be taken to court (again), no matter their decision on Feb. 22. Behind all the legal and political wrangling is a common Western tension, pitting commercial development against a band of conservationists willing to raise hell.

project in “good faith.” In 2011, planners and commissioners OK’d Rhodes’ higher-density plan with some limits on light pollution, traffic and density at the project’s edges. But it languished. There was even a brief alliance between Rhodes and his opponents. His company and conservationists pushed the BLM to swap the gypsum mine for federal land not adjacent to Red Rock. When the BLM refused the transfer (because the land was so heavily mined), the developer tweaked the 2011 plan and filed an amended version last year. Then something unexpected happened in October. After two hours of impassioned public comments from activist coalition Save Red Rock, county planners all voted to deny the plan. The move stunned both sides. Ron Krater, a spokesperson for the project, said he was “shocked and surprised.”

‘Fight every step of the way’ If the proposed development fell within the conservation area, it would be dead on arrival. But those 5,025 homes and condos would sit on private land outside the park, a series of parcels ‘The site is not nature’ about 5 miles from the Red Rock Visitor Center that are owned by Given the complexity and scope of master-planned commuSouthern Nevada developer Jim Rhodes. Testifying before state nities, conflicts are common, and they often center on where delegislators in 2003, he described the area as “a rough jewel in the velopment and backcountry meet. Red Rock was enmeshed in desert,” 2,010 acres ideal for a master-planned community. another land-use issue in the 1980s, when the Howard Hughes Right now it’s sunken land, a gypsum strip mine that came onCorp. was developing Summerlin and exchanged about 5,000 line in the 1920s. Rhodes’ company Gypsum Resources, which acres near the conservation area with the BLM. owns and operates the mine, argues that the rural village of Krater, a lead consultant on Rhodes’ project who speaks at homes, markets, shops and parks — with provisions to mitigate county meetings on his behalf, is no stranger to these conflicts. light pollution and traffic — would be the best option to reclaim His résumé includes DC Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz., Ladera Ranch the shallow pads that pock the land. Conservationists point out and the newest villages at Irvine Ranch in Orange County, Calif. that a development so close to Red Rock would destroy what one former BLM lawyer called the “Yosemite of the conservation lands.” Plus, the land is zoned for rural develop“What I envisioned was a place where ment, meaning Rhodes can only build 1,500 homes. To create his vision, he must convince working families of all income levels Clark County to change the zoning, something and from every demographic background developers have tried for 15 years. Every time, they’ve come up against fierce opposition. could live in a neighborhood that “You have to fight every step of the way,” Titus said. “The further you go down the path, the blends with the natural beauty of this harder it is to stop.” spectacular place. I’m asking you to give In 2003, Titus (then minority leader in the Nevada Senate) shepherded legislation that me a chance to show the people of Clark limited density around Red Rock. County and elected officials the kind of Rhodes, who recently had purchased the mine, opposed Titus’ bill. His team said the legcommunity I would like to build for them, islation denied him a way to ask Clark County for the master-planned community. “What I enand let them decide.” — Jim Rhodes in 2003 visioned was a place where working families of all income levels and from every demographic background could live in a neighborhood that blends with the natural beauty of this spectacular place,” Rhodes told legislators, according to minutes from a In eight years working with Rhodes, Krater has had a good rela2003 Assembly committee. “I’m asking you to give me a chance to tionship with the community. But he’s frustrated. “We’re not proshow the people of Clark County and elected officials the kind of posing to build a city up on the hill at all,” he said. “That conversacommunity I would like to build for them, and let them decide.” tion is being hijacked by the Save Red Rock people.” Not a single legislator voted against the restrictions, which reSave Red Rock’s resistance has been loud and sustained. The quired the county to keep the gypsum mine area zoned for lowergroup gathered 36,000 signatures to “Keep Red Rock Rural.” density rural development. Titus’ bill had support from the Sierra They have billboards on Interstate 215 and ads on KNPR. They Club, the Southern Nevada Homebuilders Association, the city have done phone banks and sent cards to commissioners. Their of Henderson, the Nevada Conservation League and all but one case is simple and easily digestible: Supermarkets, schools and Clark County commissioner who abstained from voting. 5,025 dwelling units will destroy Red Rock’s integrity. Support After the restrictions passed, Rhodes took the state and county has come from all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts (the cause has to court. The developer prevailed (Titus called it “a political decision”), and the county approved an agreement to consider the development, Continued on page 16

the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

Stages of the APPROVAL PROCESS What is a Concept Plan? It’s a broad overview that describes the purpose and scope of the development. It often addresses community concerns.

Developer submits a concept plan to Planning Commission.

Planning Commission makes a recommendation on concept plan.

If approved, the developer must submit a specific plan.

THE PROPOSAL IS IN this stage

Approval at this stage does not guarantee that the developer can start building.

What is a specific plan? It includes more details about the project, such as landscaping standards, the streetscape and transportation. Like the concept plan, the specific plan must be approved or denied by the County Commission.

Arguments for and against

What concerned activists want

1,500

residential units

spanning

2,010.6 acres

Save Red Rock, a coalition of activists and conservation groups, wants the zoning to remain what it is today. The group has received support from nature groups, climbers, hikers and homeowner associations at nearby master-planned developments, including Summerlin South. A petition for their cause has received 36,000 signatures.

What the developer wants

5,025

residential units

spanning

2,010.6 acres

Arguments against the project Save Red Rock argues that supermarkets, houses, stores and schools so close to Red Rock Canyon would erode the integrity and damage the biota of one of the most pronounced structures in the Mojave Desert. While it’s difficult to tell how the development would affect wildlife, most developments inherently disturb local ecosystems, and this plan could add 10,000-plus cars to Blue Diamond Highway.

The community would likely have other amenities, such as a school, supermarket and Is it safe to parks. The concept plan allocates about live where a mine 78 acres to commercial property and once was? another 60 acres to office property. Reclamation of a gypsum mine It also allocates about 104 acres to a is less intensive than it is for gold research park consisting of a univerand silver mines. Gypsum is exsity and/or private school. tracted from open pits, sent through a rock crusher and turned into powder. Zoning: 2.5 homes/acre The site would need to be regraded to remove mining tunnels before construction can begin on the arguments for the project development, but is otherRon Krater, a consultant for the develwise safe. opment group said that as it stands, “the site is not nature. It is an obliterated site of 80 years of strip mining.” The best way to reclaim the land, he argues, would be to construct a community with a design that is sensitive to the environment. He also stressed that Save Red Rock is a misnomer, since the mine is adjacent to but not within the national conservation area.

Concerns

Response to concerns

Zoning: 0.75 home/acre

1 It will ruin the secluded character of Red Rock Canyon.

1 Visible homes at the edge of the project will be lower density.

2 The project will bring traffic to Blue Diamond Highway.

2 There will be no primary access to the community from Blue Diamond Highway (the route where Red Rock is accessed).

3 Light pollution from streetlights and headlights.

3 They will use dark skies lighting techniques and neutral color tones.

4 The difficulty and cost of connecting the area to water.

4 Removed industrial land uses from the 2011 concept plan.

5 Mining will continue as homes are being built, creating liability for the county.

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

cover story

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How is Gypsum mined? Gypsum requires a relatively noninvasive mining process. It’s extracted from the ground, processed through a rock crusher, pulverized into powder and then shipped off. One-third of the gypsum from the mine near Red Rock Canyon goes to a processing plant down the hill. The remainder goes to California.

development, from page 14

even been mentioned in Climbing Magazine and Men’s Journal). Heather Fisher, who leads the group, runs a bike shop in Summerlin. She worries that approval of the project could create a slippery slope of rezoning in the region. “It’s the canary in the coal mine.” Save Red Rock’s concerns range from light pollution and traffic to ecological and geological impacts, and the fact that gypsum mining will continue as the project is developed. Krater argues that Save Red Rock has skewed the facts. He contends that only 10 percent of the project will be visible from Red Rock’s scenic loop. The Wednesday meeting, he points out, is hardly the end of the planning process. If Gypsum Resources’ concept plan is approved, the developer would still have to submit other materials, including a specific plan, which could be denied. “We’re not asking for an approval to build anything on Wednesday,” he said. He notes that the most recent plan was scaled back to 5,025 homes from the more than 7,000 pro-

posed in 2011 and 8,400 in 2002 — and that the land is so torn up that the BLM decided it wouldn’t be in the public’s interest to control it. “The site is not nature,” Krater said. “It is an obliterated site from 80 years of strip mining.” That doesn’t mean there aren’t valid reasons to block the project. Bret Birdsong, who served as deputy solicitor in the Obama administration’s Interior Department, said it was a terrible idea. “Having conservation lands of that caliber on our doorstep is of irreplaceable long-term value to the quality of life of this community.” ‘another 10 years’ Complicating the essential conflict is all the legal maneuvering. Save Red Rock raised several issues during Planning Commission meetings, laying the groundwork for a lawsuit. Rhodes sued before. The calculation: If commissioners denied the plan, Rhodes would sue. If they approved the plan, Save Red Rock would sue. So they followed the county attorney’s advice to ask for a court opinion on disagreements over legal language, according to

multiple county sources. That opinion would give commissioners cover going into the vote, hopefully avoiding another costly five-year lawsuit. Things did not go as planned. In December, Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani received a call from the Nature Conservancy. It was her first time being briefed on the court filing, having not received the complaint before it was filed by the district attorney’s office, which represents the county. The filing surprised her because it only sought a legal opinion on differences between the county and Save Red Rock, of which she is a member. “I was caught off guard,” she said. Justin Jones, the lawyer for Save Red Rock, argued that by leaving the developer out of the equation, the county was effectively abandoning its role as an independent regulator. “It’s a very one-sided complaint in which they adopted the position of the developer wholeheartedly,” Jones said. That stance plays directly into the fear of activists within Save Red Rock that, as Fisher says, “the county is fighting for the developer.” They gripe that Rhodes is a power player with the connections to

the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

How to get involved Attend the County Commission meeting at 9 a.m. Feb. 22 in Commission Chambers. Proponents or opponents can give public comments, which are not submitted in the official record. The meetings are streamed online.

outmuscle the commission and secure rezoning of the land for higher-density residential housing. “The county is not on anybody’s side,” Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak said, adding that the court opinion was requested on the advice of the board’s attorney. But in early February, a judge dismissed the request, so the commissioners are without the hoped-for legal cover heading into Wednesday’s vote on the concept plan. Two of them told Fisher they oppose it, but she worries it might be difficult to whip the needed votes. Even if they approve the plan, then it’s on to more public hearings and votes, and the development could still be denied. “It’s been 15 years,” Giunchigliani said. “And it will probably be another 10 years down the road that we’ll have to deal with it.” ‘take down the whole mountain’ As the land’s future continues to be debated, gypsum will continue to be extracted, crushed into rock and pulverized into powder. Nearly one-third will be shipped to a nearby processing plant, while

the remainder will go to California’s Central Valley, where the minerals are used in agriculture (gypsum is said to help soil retain water). This land was not always a development target. Until 2001, Australian-based multinational mining company James Hardie Industries operated the gypsum mine. That year, as housing prices started to boom, it offered the operation to United Kingdom-based John Laing Homes, which introduced the idea of developing a large-scale community there. By 2002, it was asking the county for 8,400 homes on the 2,000 acres. It withdrew zoning plans amid public outcry from conservation groups and the county. Much of the vitriol now, Krater believes, is the lasting effect of the original plan. “It wasn’t received well at all. It wasn’t appropriate.” Rhodes came into the picture in 2003 and hit the reset button in 2010, Krater said. He scaled down to about 5,000 homes and made more attempts to reach out to the community. “We have a great relationship,” Fisher said. “I like Ron (Krater) a lot.” A great relationship goes only so far. The coalition

fighting the project has been successful in getting the developer to scale down and mitigate impact, but they fundamentally oppose any move from current zoning. “You knew what you bought when you bought it,” Giunchigliani said. “How dare you assume that you are entitled to change the zoning.” But Rhodes sees feasibility in a higher-density project, one with multi-use housing rather than large single-family ranch homes. The community, built out over two decades, would include trails, stores and a research park with a university and/or an elementary school. What everyone is forgetting, Krater says, is that under the current rural zoning, the developer could already build 1,500 homes with few restrictions on lighting, landscaping or blading the hill. Better to have restrictions on a larger project than not at all, he argues. Or the developer could continue mining gypsum for at least the next decade, digging deeper and deeper into the land. “Do they really want that?” Krater asked. “My belief is no.” He added: “(Mining) could take down the whole mountain.”

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Research meets rhetoric UNLV scholar breaks down the White House’s rejection of climate science By Julie Ann Formoso Special to The Sunday

On April 22, Earth Day, another group of protesters will march on Washington: scientists. They generally attempt political neutrality, but President Donald Trump’s policy actions and appointments have pushed many experts across many disciplines to consider taking this very public stand. At UNLV, Emma Bloomfield is taking advantage of the teaching moment, helping students appreciate the ethics of political messaging. Specializing in rhetoric and science communication, the assistant professor directs her students to challenge her lectures and their own beliefs. It’s useful in the realm of climate change, as Trump’s White House has taken down all references on its website and generally denies the phenomenon. What has been most interesting for you in researching climate change? Climate change is most interesting when it intersects with religion. People who are Christian and conservative do deny climate change. But I’ve also found that there are so many interfaith groups and some Christian groups that are adopting the environment as a mandate from God — that they should go out and do some good for the environment. I think that divide is very interesting. Why is this such a political issue? There are two core issues, the first being the timing aspect of climate change and the second being money. People aren’t really seeing a lot of real-world, temporal effects of climate change now. It’s hard for people to think long-term. So because our politics is so very short in terms of time span ... It’s hard for politicians to take it seriously and to campaign on it. The second, I think, is because a lot of the people who are advocating for the environment are nonprofits that don’t have a lot of donation power. But large companies and businesses that can be hurt by environmental protection laws have the dollars to motivate politicians to avoid or at least put climate change on the back burner. What are your thoughts on President Trump’s denial of climate change? I’m definitely concerned with the new administration’s willingness to deny information and to deny facts. Policies being released that say the Environmental Protection Agency can’t publish research or information

UNLV assistant professor Emma Bloomfield studies how people talk about science, religion and technology in public spaces, from the news media to online outlets. (L.E. Baskow/staff)

on climate change are a very clear silencing of science. To see the protests on the Dakota (Access) Pipeline be successful and then immediately be quashed with a simple executive order (gives the impression) that what the public wants and thinks isn’t as important as an individual person’s beliefs. That’s fairly terrifying, especially for people who work in science or in areas of the environment. If someone wants to argue that this money could be used elsewhere, then that’s an argument about value and priorities. But to say this is not happening is completely irresponsible. Is it more challenging teaching rhetoric in a time of “post-truth” and fake news? It’s definitely more difficult to teach in my persuasive classes and my rhetoric classes because we teach that good communication and strategic communication have to be anchored in ethics and morals and what’s best for society. It’s hard to say that those values and those ethics are persuasive when we see people being persuasive in unethical and immoral ways. What is the best way to converse with a climate-change denier? The key is to not approach the conversation as an argument. Oftentimes, you’ll figure out that their denial

is rooted in a general distrust of scientists or elites. If you can figure out what’s anchoring that denial, you can sometimes say, “Why don’t you look at it this way?” If you don’t know where that resistance is coming from, just throwing facts at someone is not going to change their core outlook. Why are scientists seen as elites? People can get very discouraged when they think they’re not the smartest person in the room. Everyday people can be just as powerful as everybody else, but the presence of elites can challenge that notion. The stereotype of the arrogant academic has some roots in reality, but (there’s) also a purposeful framing of that narrative by people who want us to distrust scientists. Should environmentalists’ message be tweaked to “save our species” rather than “save the planet”? We could definitely tweak the message to be more aware of how people prioritize. ... It’s absolutely natural for people to prioritize ourselves over things like “save the polar bears.” There’s a communication theory that shows locating climate change problems in someone’s neighborhood can be a way to overcome climate change resistances.

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Energy updates New legislation, NV Energy asks to boost rooftop solar incentives By Daniel Rothberg | Staff Writer

With legislation proposed last week, Nevada lawmakers will soon debate a number of energyrelated issues, including the state’s renewable portfolio standards and efficiency programs. One of the bills would require that 80 percent of the state’s energy come from renewable power sources by 2040 (right now, the requirement is 25 percent by 2025). ¶ The legislation sets two-year benchmarks for meeting the goal. For instance, in 2020 and 2021, providers would be required to get 30 percent of their energy from renewables. By 2030, the goal would be 50 percent, a standard that would match California’s goal. ¶ A key word in this debate will be storage. Because solar and wind can be intermittent — the sun is not always shining, and the wind is not always blowing — those renewable sources often are backed up by a fossil fuel: natural gas. In the future, large-scale batteries that store renewables could replace natural gas. Many batteries currently are expensive, compared to cheap natural gas. ¶ Here are more headlines from the energy world:

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n END POINT The Public Utilities Commission doubled down on a decision to deny NV Energy’s plans to acquire a 550-megawatt natural gas plant in Arizona. NV Energy had argued that the roughly $100 million South Point Energy Center was a steal, but the PUC’s 2-1 denial on Feb. 8 cited uncertainty surrounding the Energy Choice Initiative, which would end NV Energy’s monopoly on supplying power.

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the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

n NV ENERGY’S

n considering

n goodbye

move on solar

‘potential’ carbon?

to coal

The utility is asking regulators to boost incentives for rooftop solar customers. Doing so, NV Energy argues, would make solar economically advantageous for customers. After controversial rates were imposed last year that changed the economic calculus for going solar, NV Energy received only 287 applications for new rooftop systems. That’s compared to a record 21,923 applications in 2015. Here’s what the utility wrote in a cover letter to regulators: “Increasing the incentive amounts will improve the economics of purchasing a rooftop solar system: New private solar generation customers subject to new net metering rules and rates established by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada can expect a payback period of 20 years or less.” The short version: It could help restore the rooftop solar market.

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In a bill pre-filed in November about long-term planning for electric utilities, the Governor’s Office of Energy proposed that the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada give preference to plans that: “Provide for diverse electricity supply portfolios and which reduce customer exposure to the price volatility of fossil fuels and the potential costs of carbon.”

Owners of the Navajo Generating Station in Page, Ariz., voted Feb. 13 to close the West’s largest coal plant when its lease ends in 2019. The plant’s owners — Arizona utilities, NV Energy and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation — were considering a shutdown because coal was becoming increasingly less competitive as natural gas prices remain low.

n SPEAKING OF n PRESENTING

THE iSOLAR In late January, NV Energy announced that Apple would purchase 200 MW for its Renobased data from a new solar plant. On Feb. 2, NV Energy released the project details. The new solar plant, located in Boulder City, will churn out energy for as low as 3.1 cents per kilowatt-hour. That price-point for large-scale solar makes it competitive with natural gas and coal.

ENERGY CHOICE Gov. Brian Sandoval announced last week that Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison would head the Governor’s Committee on Energy Choice, which Sandoval unveiled during his State of the State. The formation of the committee comes after voters overwhelmingly approved the Energy Choice Initiative, backed by Switch, Las Vegas Sands and Tesla. If approved by voters again in 2018, the initiative would create a competitive electricity market, allowing consumers to choose their energy provider. But the transition won’t be easy. NV Energy has remained neutral but has warned that the process could be costly and complicated.

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

the impacts of debt throughout your life Ask

at to r n e y

The effects of debt extend beyond finances. Debt can hinder your career, relationships, future plans and general well-being. Many people view debt as a bottomless pit they’ve dug, but this does not have to be the case. There are ways to help clear your debt and allow you to move forward with your life. ¶ Think back to when you were a child imagining what your life would look like — did it include owning a home? Holding a steady job? Getting married? Having kids? Retiring comfortably? Unfortunately, out-of-control debt can affect all of those milestones and more. While there are many Xenophon reasons why our lives may not go exactly acPeters, esq. cording to plan, holding on to debt shouldn’t be one of them. ¶ Here are some of life’s milestones that can be affected when you have too much debt: Buying a house (or car, or other major purchase) When you’re being considered for a loan, lenders look closely at your credit report and financial history. Your credit report indicates how well you’re able to manage debt and is a large component of determining your loan worthiness. Your debt-to-income ratio also will be calculated, to evaluate whether or not you have the ability to pay back the loan. If you’re sitting on thousands of dollars of unpaid debt, and the bank isn’t confident that you’ll be able to make your mortgage payments, they can deny you the loan completely or greatly increase your interest rate and payment. You can even have a 720 credit score and still not get a loan because you have too much outstanding debt.

changing jobs If you’re in debt, finding a new or higher-paying job might seem like a reasonable step toward paying it off. Unfortunately, many employers request to see your credit report during the hiring process. In a 2012 study, the Society for Human Resource Management reported that 47 percent of employers checked the credit history of candidates for select jobs. If your report indicates delinquent debts, or a large amount of outstanding debt, it could reflect negatively on you and your trustworthiness. Some employers would prefer to see a bankruptcy filing or a debt settlement on your credit report rather than outstanding or delinquent debt. The theory behind this is that someone who still has debt is more likely to steal, embezzle or be distracted, while someone who filed bankruptcy or settled their debt, seems less risky. Note: 11 states, including Nevada, have legal limits about credit report requests from employers. Depending on the type of job, requesting a credit report may or may not be legal.

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Debt relief options You don’t need to struggle through life with unmanageable debt. There are debt relief options that can help you start getting out of debt today, and as with anything that charges interest, it’s best to tackle it immediately. The most common methods of debt relief, other than paying your debts in full, are bankruptcy and debt settlement. When seeking advice, it’s best to find a firm that handles both to learn which option is best for your situation. Bankruptcy seems like a scary word, but in many cases people’s credit reports get better when they file because the bankruptcy removes the massive amounts of debt, and brings an end to missing payments. For example, most Chapter 7 bankruptcy filers can have a 700-plus credit score shortly after discharge with the right guidance. Debt settlement allows people to pay off their total amount of debt for considerably less than they owe — sometimes even up to 80 percent less. This process involves a negotiation between you, your attorney and the lender. The goal is to compromise on paying a small amount in exchange for the entire debt to be forgiven. This negotiation process is tricky, though, and requires a lot of complicated paperwork, so it’s important for anyone seeking a debt settlement to hire a specialized attorney to settle at the lowest rate possible.

Marriage Combining finances is complicated under the best of circumstances, but if you’re carrying a large amount of debt with you, it can get much worse. In Nevada, marriage may make a newlywed jointly responsible for their new spouse’s existing debt. Further, having too much debt may mean your spouse will have to cosign on future loans — something most people should never do. A 2013 Kansas State University research study also found that arguments about money are the top predictor of divorce.

having children You’re responsible for providing for your little one, and money plays a large part of that. Food, shelter, diapers, clothes, daycare — the list goes on and on, and it all requires some level of financial security. If you have unmanageable debt before you have kids, the debt cycle can snowball quickly with the added expense of children. Putting it all on a credit card that you’re unable to pay off may work temporarily, but it’s not sustainable and can eventually lead to stress in the home and a disrupted family situation, which can damage your child’s overall well-being.

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TAX RETURN

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retirement Having a significant amount of debt can severely interrupt, or even prevent, retirement plans. Your retirement savings may be small, or nonexistent, because of your debts. Retirees often live on a fixed income, making outstanding bills especially difficult to pay. Debt also affects stress levels, which can cause high-blood pressure, weakened immune system and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

If you have a question you’d like to see answered by an attorney in a future issue, please write to questions@PandALawFirm.com. Please note: The information in this column is intended for general purposes only and is not to be considered legal or professional advice of any kind. You should seek advice that is specific to your problem before taking or refraining from any action and should not rely on the information in this column.

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Dancing around the issue Despite another big federal labor settlement, conditions for local strippers not likely to change By Chris Kudialis Staff Writer

A federal judge has given preliminary approval for a $6.5 million settlement in lawsuits against 64 of the 132 strip clubs owned by Déjà Vu Consulting Inc. nationwide. That could result in cash or up to $2,000 in club credits for the thousands of women who’ve worked at the chain’s Las Vegas locations (for at least a month) since 2004, including Déjà Vu, Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club, Showgirls and Little Darlings. The dozen or so wage-per-hour suits considered by U.S. District Judge Stephen J. Murphy of Michigan get at a fundamental issue of the business: Should strippers be classified as independent contractors or employees? Lansing, Mich.-based attorney Matthew J. Hoffer, who represents a Jane Doe plaintiff, confirmed the federal suit’s impact on Las Vegas dancers but declined to comment “until after a final settlement is reached.” Local managers of Déjà Vu and Little Darlings said they were not sure what effect the lawsuit would have on their dancers, deferring to the chain’s national headquarters in Lansing. Déjà Vu Consulting Inc. did not return multiple requests for comment. The series of minimum wage and labor law violation suits started in 2008, when a dancer at a Michigan club run by Lansing-based Cin-Lan Inc. said she and dancers at eight other company clubs in the state were unfairly classified as

independent contractors. Déjà Vu Consulting Inc. also was named in that suit. The companies and dancers settled for $11.3 million in 2011. Another Jane Doe filed what became a class action lawsuit in Michigan’s Eastern District, arguing that Déjà Vu had too much control over the day-to-day work of dancers labeled as independent contractors. The suit she filed expanded into a complaint covering the 64 Déjà Vu locations, incorporating other state and federal suits involving the company since 2008. About $935,000 will be divided among dancers who opt for cash payments, according to court documents. Déjà Vu dancers also can choose credits, from $200 to $2,000 depending on the length of time they worked at the club, to use toward renting stage time and other fees. A hearing to determine whether the settlement and process for evaluating employee status is fair is scheduled for June 6 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Strippers in Las Vegas have long protested work conditions and compensations. As independent contractors, they aren’t entitled to a minimum wage, insurance benefits, sexual harassment claims or workers’ compensation from clubs, where they pay to perform and collect only tips. In one of the most famous suits, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that clubs were not exempt from provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and that employees were entitled to federal minimum wage. The final ruling came more than five years after dancers from Sap-

phire Las Vegas Gentleman’s Club sued the valley’s largest strip club in 2009. Despite continued rulings in favor of strippers, attorneys who’ve represented them say little within the industry has changed. Tucson-based Mick Rusing was the lead attorney in winning for the Jane Does involved in the Sapphire case, and before that won compensation for strippers from the nowclosed Glitter Gulch. While the Sapphire case seemed to set a precedent for treatment of dancers, any progress was “quickly reversed,” when the 2015 Nevada Legislature passed Senate Bill 224. The bill, signed into law by Gov. Brian Sandoval, allows for “just about anyone” in Nevada to be classified as an independent contractor, regardless of the work they’re doing, Rusing said. “Under no stretch of the imagination are these women independent contractors.” Rusing said strip clubs have “never won a case” against strippers suing for employee status, and he called Nevada’s definition of an independent contractor a “false comfort” for the industry. He pointed to Déjà Vu’s ongoing settlement in U.S. District Court as an example of the federal government’s willingness to intervene regardless of state laws. But after more than a decade of suing and winning money from the clubs, Las Vegas dancers haven’t seen “an iota of change” in how they’re compensated, Rusing said. “It’s just really unfair,” he said.

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potty training 101 Potty training a toddler can be a complicated task, and there are many schools of thought on the topic, such as incentives and rewards or a series of learning aids. Choosing the right method for your child can seem daunting, but Waldo Feng, MD, pediatric urologist at Sunrise Children’s Hospital, argues that the process can be much simpler once parents know what physiological aspect to focus on. “Many potty-training techniques focus on holding the urine, but in general, potty training should teach children to go regularly so they don’t have to hold it. ‘Holding it’ can cause many problems going forward, but teaching them to go before that point is healthier for the child and can make potty training easier for the parents,” Feng said. Follow this guide when potty training your little one and soon enough, diapers will be a distant memory.

When is the right time to start? The ideal time to start potty training is around 3 years. “At that age, a child’s bladder capacity is about five ounces and he or she will be producing about one ounce of urine every hour. They should learn to urinate when the bladder is about one-half to two-thirds full, which is about every two to three hours,” Feng said. Some children may show interest in using the toilet sooner, or a little later, than 3 years old, and that’s fine, too. Some may be curious about the bathroom when they see what you or other family members do in there. If so, explain what’s happening, show them how it works, and answer their questions. Other behavioral indicators that they may be ready include:

1 Is their diaper dry for two to three hours at a stretch?

2 Are they expressing what’s happening, either verbally or physically? This could mean saying that they’re going “pee-pee” or using body language or gestures to indicate what’s happening.

How to introduce potty training Demonstrate the process for them. Speak to them in whatever language they use with you — whether it’s hand gestures, body language or verbal language — to explain what’s happening. Then, put them on the toilet to get them comfortable with the idea that they can, and should, use it.

3 Are they pooping around the same time every day (after meals, in the morning, in the evening, etc.)?

4 Are they expressing impatience and/or unhappiness about a soiled diaper?

Don’t just ask them if they need to use the bathroom A common problem that parents encounter while potty training occurs when they ask their child if they have to use the bathroom. “Children almost always will answer, ‘No,’ ” Feng said. Don’t give them the option by asking — simply take them to the bathroom every 2-3 hours as scheduled and let them do their thing.

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Schedule bathroom breaks and teach children to relax Once they know what goes on in the bathroom, it’s time to get them on a schedule. Feng recommends taking them to the bathroom at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. “Put them on the toilet every day at these times and sit with them for 30 seconds. If they urinate, great. If not, it’s no big deal. The key is to do it on a schedule,” Feng said. A regular schedule is integral when teaching children not to simply “hold it,” but to relax in order to urinate. When potty training, the focus should never be on holding it until they have to use the bathroom. “Children often learn to ‘hold it’ because they get positive reinforcement from doing so. But this causes pressure releasing, because they’ve waited so long. Pressure releasing can not only delay the pottytraining process, it can lead to bed wetting. It also can cause other health problems like incontinence, constipation, urinary tract infections and bladder dysfunction,” Feng said.

Together, we’ll flummox the flu.

If children wait until they’re squirming around, crossing their legs, holding onto their genitals, or showing other signs of needing to use the bathroom immediately, they’ve waited too long. This is why putting them on a regular schedule is important — it teaches them to go before they reach this point.

Don’t panic if it’s not going as planned Successful potty training generally takes one to two weeks, but it can take longer depending on the child. It’s important to stay patient and continue working with them on a schedule. If they’re still struggling after a month, talk to your pediatrician about alternative options or other tips.

Do rewards work? Many children learn through rewards, encouraging words and positive reinforcement. This is no different while potty training, but it’s important that they’re rewarded for the right behavior. Instead of rewarding them for a dry diaper or going in the toilet, reward them for taking the bathroom break at all — whether or not they go. You want to incentivize creating good habits, not necessarily producing good results.

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Choosing the right light bulb

cheapest

By Erin Ryan | Staff Writer

The soft glow of that lamp by your bedside is actually waves of electromagnetic radiation. These energy waves are in the narrow band of frequencies humans can see, and based on the shade and intensity, we’re left with a distinct feeling. ¶ That’s why there are so many bulbs on the market; the character of light changes a room and can affect your mood and focus. Walk through your home flipping the switches and ask yourself: Do I have the right light?

What determines a bulb’s brightness? People often incorrectly assume that brightness is about wattage, but it’s not. Watts measure energy usage, while lumens indicate the intensity of the light’s output. Here’s what to look for if you’re used to buying incandescents based on wattage: 100 watts = 1,600 lumens 75 watts = 1,100 lumens 60 watts = 800 lumens 40 watts = 450 lumens

basic information

least efficient

most natural

Incandescent

HALOGEN

While they’re not so energy-efficient, these bulbs are the most common and least expensive.

More efficient than incandescents, these bulbs are spendier and burn hotter.

warmer

natural

Warm and appealing to the psyche and complimentary to the appearance of all skin tones.

The closest thing to natural daylight, sharpening the perception of color.

Best for these rooms

Living room and bedroom, spaces where you want to relax and unwind.

Kitchen and bathroom, often under cabinets or in recessed cans.

Dimmer compatible?

Yes

color temperature

DID you know?

In 2007, Congress passed legislation aimed at boosting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it called for the phase-out of less efficient incandescents. All wattages are now required to be 25 percent more efficient, as traditional incandescent bulbs put only 10 percent of their energy toward light production, with 90 percent creating wasted energy in the form of heat.

Halogen bulbs should never be touched with bare hands, as oils transferred onto the glass can cause it to warm too fast and explode.

New labels let you know how bright a bulb is and how many years it will last, the estimated annual energy cost of using it, whether it contains mercury and how warm or cool it appears.

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the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

efficient

harshest

most expensive

most efficient

largest range how can light be either warm or cool?

fluorescent These bulbs are the workhorses of the family, producing a lot of illumination for a long time.

cooler

Flat and harsh, often with a bluish tint, though there are warmer tones and colored options on the market.

compact fluorescent Using about 25 percent of the energy, these bulbs perform 10 times longer than incandescents.

warmer

The tone is colorcorrected from its longtube ancestor, meaning it’s warmer and more inviting.

1,900

LED These bulbs last the longest on the least amount of energy, but the best option (clustered array) is five times more expensive than a compact fluorescent.

kelvin Candlelight

2,700

kelvin Warm a room’s color

4,000 kelvin Cool a room’s color

warm, cool and neutral options

Light-emitting diodes can only provide directional light, meaning it bounces off the eye from just one angle rather than many (diffused).

5,000

kelvin Replicate daylight

6,000 Basement and garage, any large area you want to light efficiently.

Extended exposure to long-tube fluorescent bulbs (found in many offices) can cause headaches due to the noticeable flicker rate.

Anywhere you would use incandescents, especially offices, as the wavelength is ideal for reading.

SOMETIMES

Bulbs contain trace amounts of mercury, so you should be extra-careful not to break them; recycle them when they burn out.

Anywhere you need task or decorative lighting, or outdoors.

Yes LEDs don’t emit heat, which is why they’ve been used in novel inventions, such as a “bionic” contact lens being developed in Finland that could allow people to see content they would normally see on a computer screen right on the surface of the eye.

kelvin Cloudy sky

Color temperature depends on how hot the filament inside a bulb gets on the kelvin scale. A white light will glow with a tinge of red, yellow, white or various shades of blue the warmer it gets (so, colors we traditionally think of as “cool” are actually the hottest). “Warm white” and “soft white,” at lower kelvin, dominate in the marketplace. Designers advise buying your lights before you paint your walls, as color changes dramatically under different bulbs.

Sources: HGTV, Houzz, inhabit.com, lumens.com, NASA, physicsclassroom. com, Scientific American, Tech Hive, The Verge

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buffalo chicken meatballs recipe provided by culinary dropout

Culinary Dropout at the Hard Rock Hotel is Sam Fox’s gastropub “rebel child” that breaks all the rules with its uniform-free staff and relaxed, soulful ambiance featuring amped-up appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrées. In that spirit, these meatballs pack everything you love about buffalo chicken wings into one spicy, savory bite.

ingredients for meatballs

1 1/2 tbsp 2 1/2 tbsp chives, finely parsley, finely chopped chopped

1 tsp lemon zest

(makes 16 meatballs)

4 tbsp garlic, minced

1 cup yellow onion, minced

3 tsp onion powder

3 tsp garlic powder

3 tsp celery salt

5 whole eggs

1 cup Parmesan, grated

directions for meatballs /4 cup whole milk

serve with

2 tbsp kosher salt

10 turns ground pepper

8 sesame 2 lbs ground 2 lbs ground fresh buns, crust chicken chicken parsley, removed, breast thigh chopped ground fine (for garnish)

for buffalo sauce

4 cups Frank’s Red Hot

for gorgonzola dolce

3 /4 cup sour cream

3 /4 cup buttermilk

1 tsp sugar

carrots 1 cup honey Add honey and hot sauce to bowl and whisk until combined.

celery

1 3/4 tbsp kosher salt

1 1/2 oz dolce gorgonzola

Place all ingredients in blender and purée until smooth. Season to taste.

1. Place all ingredients except ground chicken in food processor with a paddle attachment. Mix until ingredients are thoroughly combined, being sure to scrape the sides of the bowl halfway through with a rubber spatula. 2. Add the ground chicken and mix until just combined, and be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl halfway through. Scoop one portion (25-27 grams) of mix; fry at 315 degrees for 5 minutes, making sure the internal temperature is 165 degrees. Taste and re-season if necessary. Set aside. 3. To plate, toss chicken meatballs in buffalo sauce and add to plate. Spoon gorgonzola dolce on either side. Place celery and carrot stalks around meatballs. Top with chopped parsley.

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

life

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LOOKING FOR A NEW BEST FRIEND?

The Animal Foundation and the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are shelters dedicated to finding homes for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles and more. Each week, we feature a selection of animals available for adoption.

Sara (A936193)

Myrtle (A939039)

Merry

Peanut

Age: Adult spayed female Breed: Shorthaired rabbit Description: Sara can be hesitant when meeting people but she will steal your heart in no time, especially if you give her willow twigs to chew on. Adoption fee: $25

Age: 5-year-old spayed female Breed: Boxer mix Description: Myrtle loves a good game of fetch and enjoys playing with tennis balls, so she is looking for a companion who is just as active as she is. Adoption fee: $200

Age: 1-year-old spayed female Breed: Tortoiseshell feline Description: Merry is dainty but adventurous. She enjoys climbing cat towers, exploring empty boxes and inspecting new furniture pieces. Adoption fee: $40

Age: 10-year-old neutered male Breed: Chihuahua mix Description: Peanut is an earnest little gentleman who longs for someone to love. He is good with cats, dogs and children, and heâ€™s housetrained and crate-trained. Adoption fee: $30

Lisa (A938264)

Gwendolyn (A938678)

Carrie

Queenie

Age: 1-year-old spayed female Breed: Domestic shorthair Description: Lisa is friendly and loves to play with toys. She also enjoys full-body scratches from her forever human. Adoption fee: $25

Age: 7-year-old spayed female Breed: Chihuahua Description: Gwendolyn is shy at first, but she warms up quickly and has a sweet personality once trust is gained. Adoption fee: $155

Age: 12-year-old spayed female Breed: Pomeranian Description: Carrie asks for a fresh start. She is recovering well from extreme neglect and still believes in the power of kindness and human goodness. Adoption fee: $25

Age: 7-year-old spayed female Breed: Catahoula leopard dog mix Description: Queenie is amiable and young at heart. She loves jogging and swimming. She may shake your hand to signal that she needs to go outside. Adoption fee: $40

Xandra (A929998)

Mika (A934647)

Mosaic

Molly

Age: 7-year-old spayed female Breed: Pit bull Description: Xandra could use a brush up on her obedience skills but she is kind and knows how to sit on command. Adoption fee: $25

Age: 3-year-old spayed female Breed: Pit bull Description: Mika is a social butterfly who is looking for a forever home to give her endless attention and lots of love. Adoption fee: $25

Age: 2-year-old spayed female Breed: Sandy brown tabby Description: Mosaic loves to play with shoelaces. She is fascinated by human behavior and activities, so count on her to follow you around the house and study you. Adoption fee: $40

Age: 8-year-old spayed female Breed: Tortoiseshell feline Description: Molly likes tucking her head under your arm and falling asleep. She is gentle and compatible with other sweet cats. Adoption fee: $20

Animal foundation 702-384-3333 x131 | animalfoundation.com/adopt Animals are assigned a color next to their names indicating location: 655 N. Mojave Road, Las Vegas 286 W. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson

Nevada SPCA 4800 W. Dewey Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-873-SPCA | www.nevadaspca.org

WIN THE

VIP

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE! • EXCLUSIVE SUPERBOOK RESERVED SEATING • YOU + 2 FRIENDS • PLUSH COUCH SEATING • IN GAME VIEWING •

500 IN FOOD & DRINKS

GOOD TEAMS WIN, GREAT TEAMS COVER®

#KINGOFSCREENS

All Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook Mobile app users must be 21 years or older and must be a member of the Westgate Las Vegas Players Club. Wagers are only accepted within the State of Nevada. Nevada state law prohibits wagers originating from outside of Nevada using the mobile app. Contest for the VIP Experience starts on February 13, at 12:01 a.m. through Saturday, March 13 at 4:00 p.m. A $100 deposit is required to qualify for the contest. Drawing will take place at the Westgate Super Book on March 13, at 5:00 p.m. 4 winners will be selected. Each winner will receive reserved seating and $500 in food and beverage of 1 day during Hoops Central. Winners will have 24 hours to claim their prize. One drawing ticket per new account. The Westgate Las Vegas encourages responsible gaming. For help and information, call toll-free 800.522.4700.

WESTGATEVEGAS.COM

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

WALK Church does more than lease space at Schofield Middle School. It has become part of the community by hosting cookouts, taking on painting projects and starting a food pantry. The church meets at 10:30 Sunday mornings. Visit walkchurch.com for details.

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sports

the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

courting a congregation T

By Ray Brewer STAFF WRITER

hey wear jerseys that read “Jesus Wins” across the back in place of last names, and the pregame routine before the Sunday night recreational basketball league game includes a quick prayer. When the game ends, Heiden Ratner often is greeted by players from other teams: “They ask, ‘Can I get one of those Jesus Wins shirts?’ ” says Ratner, a former college player who is the pastor at WALK Church in Las Vegas. Ratner, a lifelong basketball junkie, is a regular in the league at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy because those games feature former college players and are considered the most competitive in town. After playing a few seasons, he decided the night of recreation would help fuel his other passion — introducing others to the church. He gathered a group from his congregation and formed a team. Some of the churchgoers had played before; others, not so much. While Ratner wants to win — hates to lose, actually — the greater purpose is bringing others closer in their faith. The group from WALK Church frequently distributes wristbands with Bible verses on them, and has convinced a handful of rec-league players to attend services. “This is how church can make its way into everyday life,” Ratner, 28, said. nnn

WALK Church pastor Heiden Ratner (22) gathers his team for a prayer before a recreational league game at the Tarkanian Basketball Academy. Ratner graduated from Silverado High School as Nevada’s all-time leading scorer for basketball and uses the sport to attract people to his ministry. (L.E. Baskow/staff)

As a youth, Ratner’s sole focus was on finding a spot on a Division I basketball roster. “I grew up in a gym. That was my god, lowercase ‘g,’ ” he said. Ratner set the Nevada high school record for points at Silverado High, but because he was undersized at 6 feet tall, he found himself a few months away from graduation with no concrete opportunity to play in college. Then, the coaches from James Madison University called to offer a scholarship — a life-changing opportunity. A few months into college, he was invited to a social hosted by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He went for the free pizza, he jokes, but as the night progressed, he became curious about faith and bought a Bible. By the time Ratner returned to Las Vegas after his first year at JMU, he was a different person. He

started hosting Bible study for his friends, including a girl from his high school class, Neena, whom he eventually would marry and partner with on WALK Church. “I love Las Vegas. I had this vision, this dream to come home and start a church here,” said Ratner, who finished his college career at Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in religious studies. nnn

John Pajarillo, who plays guitar each Sunday at WALK Church, is one of those inexperienced players on the basketball team. But he’s simply happy to be part of the group. “It brings a sense of togetherness,” he said. “It’s uplifting to see guys play for Jesus.” Pajarillo’s journey to the church started like many others’ — he received a wristband from a parishioner while waiting tables. A year later, when the parishioner returned to the restaurant, Pajarillo was still wearing the wristband. The following week, he attended services for the first time. “God brought (Ratner) to my life,” Pajarillo said. “By following God through him, it’s been an amazing journey.” Ratner is one of the most popular players in the four-court gym. Others gravitate to him as he walks in. Countless times, opposing players have pulled him aside to talk. “This creates opportunity for discipleship outside the Sunday service,” Ratner said. nnn

It’s been nearly two years since the Ratners launched WALK Church, and their community continues to grow. More than 100 attend the weekly service at Schofield Middle School. The plan is to build a stand-alone facility — with a basketball court, of course — and eventually plant more churches in other parts of Las Vegas. Along the way, they are going to keep using basketball as a means to minister to locals. And while Ratner has clearly lost a step, he can still score in bunches. A few months ago, the pastor put up 57 points in a 40-minute game with a running clock. “There’s a stereotype that a pastor should be less competitive and more passive,” Ratner said. “But I take it up a notch for who I am playing for.”

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

Gaming

We want to hear from you Send your gaming information to gamingguide@thesunday.com

CASINO PROMOTIONS COSMOPOLITAN

Key to Riches Date: Through Feb. 28 Information: Unlock prizes at the Identity Membership & Rewards desk. Tiered prizes are split into two levels. The Sapphire level includes one key card for every 1,000 slot points featuring prizes up to $500 in play. The Diamond level includes one key card for every 5,000 slot points and the chance to win up to $5,000 in play.

PALMS

Million Point Giveaway Date: Through Feb. 28 Information: Earn up to 1 million points at kiosk game. Available for new loyalty card signups only. Brenden Theatre Movie Mondays Date: Mondays in February Information: Earn 300 points to receive a movie ticket. $40,000 Table Game Spin and Win Date: Fridays and Saturdays in February Time: 7:30 p.m. Information: Earn entries by getting select hands at table games. Win up to $1,000 in play.

Point multiplier Date: Sundays and Tuesdays in February Information: Receive 10x points on slot machines.

E-sports tournaments Date: Fridays and Saturdays in February Time: Registration begins at 6 p.m. Information: Prize pools vary at each tournament.

Gift giveaway Date: Wednesdays in February Information: Earn 300 base points to receive a gift. On Feb. 22, it’s a Mardi Gras T-shirt.

Presidents Day point multiplier Date: Feb. 20 Information: Receive 10x points on slots and 3x points on video poker for up to 75,000 bonus points.

jokers wild

Winter Winnings kiosk game Date: Thursdays in February Information: Earn 300 base points to play. Win up to $1,000 or 10,000 points.

TUSCANY

Point multiplier Date: Mondays and Fridays in February Information: Earn 12x points on reels and 6x points on video poker. Senior Day Date: Thursdays in February Information: Players 50 and older get discounts and the chance to participate in a slot tournament. Play and Pour Date: Select Wednesdays in February Information: Earn 500 same-day points for a bottle of wine or liquor. Gift giveaway Date: Select Sundays in February Information: Earn 300 same-day points for a gift. On Feb. 26, the gift is a pair of binoculars.

$40,000 Bags of Benjamins Drawing Date: Fridays in February Time: 8:15 p.m. Information: Receive one entry for every 50 base points. Win up to $4,000.

Two-for-One Tuesdays Date: Tuesdays in February Information: Earn 200 base points for a two-for-one coupon to Marilyn’s Cafe or Pub 365.

Lucky Hearts Swipe and Win Date: Thursdays in February Information: Earn five points to play kiosk game. Win points, play, dining discounts and more.

Hot seat Date: Saturdays in February Time: Hourly, 4-9 p.m. Information: Five players selected each hour. Win up to $500.

Gift giveaways Date: Saturdays and Sundays in February Information: On Feb. 19, the gift is a travel bamboo pillow; on Feb. 25, it’s Girl Scout cookies; on Feb. 26, it’s a rechargeable flashlight.

BOYD PROPERTIES

Timeless Tuesdays Date: Tuesdays in February Information: For players 50 or older. Receive dining discounts, participate in giveaways and more.

SLS las vegas

Liquor giveaway Date: Thursdays or Fridays in February Time: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: Earn 500 same-day slot points or 1,000 same-day video poker points to receive one bottle of liquor. On Feb. 23 and 24, it’s Seagram’s gin.

Swipe and Win up to 1 million points Date: Ongoing Information: New members have a chance to win up to 1 million points.

DOWNTOWN GRAND 1957 Thunderbird Giveaway Date: Through March 25 Time: Drawing is at 10 p.m. March 25 Information: Earn entry multipliers Sundays through Wednesdays. Grand prize is a 1957 Thunderbird or $20,000. Win Your Share of $20,000 in the Sweet Life Giveaway Date: Through Feb. 28 Information: Collect one Sweet Life bar for every 200 base points earned, with multipliers offered SundaysWednesdays. Win up to $500 in play.

Rolling for Dough Date: Fridays Time: Slot players eligible 1-9 p.m. Players at table games eligible 6:3011:30 p.m. Information: Players can get a chance to roll the dice and win 10x the roll. Saturday Early Rewards Date: Saturdays Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: Win $100 cash or $120 slot play. Monday point multipliers Date: Mondays Information: Earn 6x points on reels and 3x points on keno, multigame and video poker. Tuesday point multipliers Date: Tuesdays Information: Earn 15x points on Buffalo machines, 10x points on reels and 5x points on keno, multigame and video poker.

Eldorado

Pick Your Promotion Date: Fridays in February Time: 3:30-11:30 p.m. Information: One player will win cash every hour. Choose from Rollin’ For Dough, Spin the Wheel or Cash Slide. Prime Generation Tuesdays Date: Tuesdays Information: For players 50 and older. Slot card required. Earn 50 base points to receive $5 in slot play. Earn 500 base points to receive a spin on the cash wheel. Receive 5x points, dining and bingo discounts. Cash Slide Date: Thursdays Time: 2-8 p.m. Information: One player each hour will win up to $100.

arizona charlie’s (both locations)

$50,000 Sweet Cash giveaway Date: Through Feb. 24 Time: 8:15 p.m. Information: Receive a drawing entry for every 500 base points earned. Ten names will be drawn; top prize is $5,000.

Presidents Day weekend hot seat Date: Through Feb. 20 Time: 2:15, 4:15, 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. Information: Must have loyalty card to participate. Prize based on tier level.

Rampart Casino

50-plus party Date: Tuesdays Information: Loyalty-card players 50 and older can earn $100 in free slot play on all video-reel machine jackpots over $1,200, a free kiosk swipe for earning 50 points, a second kiosk swipe for earning 500 points, a bingo coupon for a free small electronic-unit rainbow pack (minimum buy-in required), a $5 lunch buffet and a free round in a slot tournament from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Summerlin and Elite players may receive an additional round. Best score will be used in the tournament, with 12 winners selected each week. Top prize is $1,000. A $15 free slot play bonus will be given to everyone who wins a round.

KLONDIKE SUNSET CASINO

Play and Win Date: Mondays Information: Win up to $250 in play. Play and Eat Date: Tuesdays Information: Receive $5 in food coupons for every 250 points earned. Play and Win Date: Fridays and Saturdays in February Time: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Information: Receive up to $60 in Smith’s gift cards by accruing points. Gift giveaway Date: Wednesdays in February Information: Earn 100 base points to receive a gift. On Feb. 22, it’s a glass canister set. Sterling Edge 55+ Club Date: Thursdays Information: Players 55 and older can receive 5x points on reels, dining discounts and more. Winner’s Choice Slot Machine giveaway Date: Feb. 25

We want to hear from you Send your gaming information to gamingguide@thesunday.com

Time: 7:30 p.m. Information: Earn drawing tickets by playing, dining or drinking. Earn 2x drawing tickets on Sundays.

STATION CASINOS Sweet Share Kiosk Game Date: Fridays-Sundays in February Locations: All Station properties Information: Earn five base points to play kiosk game. Prizes include up to $10,000, slot play, points, dining and more. Plus, share a friendly message with someone special straight from the kiosk. Andy’s Candy Cash Drawing Date: Feb. 26 Time: 6:15 p.m. Locations: All Station properties Information: Earn entries by playing games; earn 5x entries on Wednesdays. Swipe for 10 free entries every day. Win up to $10,000. Must be present to win, and there will be 10 winners at each property. Plus, the top two slot and top two video poker base point earners at each property will automatically win an additional place in the drawing. Chocolates and cherry pie giveaway Date: Feb. 20 Time: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Locations: All Station properties Information: Invited Boarding Pass members with valid identification will receive a cherry pie on Feb. 20. Players who earn 300 points in the same day can also receive a pie. Early pick-up for Chairman and President members available at 9 a.m. Military Mondays Date: Ongoing Locations: All Station properties Information: Veterans and active military members receive discounts.

Fiesta Rancho Top Dog Poker Kiosk Game Date: Fridays-Sundays in February Information: Win up to 1 million points. Play every week. Cash in your chips to win points on Tuesdays. Sweets and Sweetheart giveaway Date: Thursdays in February Information: Earn 300 points to receive a gift. Earn an additional 300 points to receive a second gift. On Feb. 23, it’s a bottle of Disaronno Amaretto.

BoULDER STATION Cupid’s Cash Wheel Date: Fridays and Saturdays in February Time: 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. Information: Ten players at each drawing can win up to $5,000.

Fiesta Henderson

Gift giveaway Date: Thursdays in February Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: Earn 150 points to receive a gift; earn 300 points and receive another. On Feb. 23, the choice is Dark Horse Red Blend or Chardonnay.

SANTA FE STATION

$40,000 Cupid Shuffle Date: Tuesdays in February Time: 6:15 p.m. Information: Win up to $15,000. There will be 10 winners at every drawing. Earn 5x entries on Mondays, and swipe for 10 free entries Sunday and Monday. Free practice sessions will be Thursdays from noon-6 p.m. $40,000 Free Slot Play Frenzy Date: Fridays and Saturdays in February Time: 8:15 p.m. Information: Win up to $500 in slot play (10 winners at each drawing). Earn 5x entries on Mondays and Wednesdays. Swipe for 10 free entries every Sunday.

PALACE STATION

Play the Wheel Date: Feb. 23 Time: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: Earn 300 same-day points for one wheel spin. Win cash, slot play and more.

SUNSET STATION

Masquerade Cash Parade Date: Thursdays-Sundays Time: 5:30, 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Information: Win up to $500. Earn entries playing table games. Earn 2x entries on Mondays and Wednesdays.

TEXAS STATION

Sunday slot tournament Date: Sundays in February Time: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Information: Win a share of $2,500. The top 25 scores share cash prizes. The first entry is free. Earn up to four additional entries for 50 base points each. Active Chairman-level guests placing in the top five receive a 3x bonus. Active President-level guests placing in the top five receive a two times bonus.

PLAZA

Spin2Win Date: Daily Time: 8:15 p.m. Information: Earn drawing entries playing slot machines and blackjack. Win up to $1,000 in play. $50K giveaway Date: Through Dec. 10

Information: Earn one ticket for every 25,000 points earned.

SILVERTON

Gaming

the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

ing ticket for every 100 slot-based points earned every day of the week. Earn 3x entries on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Stars and Selfies drawings Date: Saturdays in February Time: 7 p.m. Information: Earn 200 points for a chance to win up to $2,000 in slot play and up to $25,000. Receive mystery entries on Fridays by swiping loyalty card at any kiosk.

Saturday Point Fever Date: Saturdays Information: Earn one ticket for every 200 points during the week. Ten Club Cortez members will be selected for the opportunity to win 100,000 points.

Presidents Day point multiplier Date: Feb. 20 Information: Earn 10x points on reels. Reel and Win slot tournament Date: Tuesdays Time: Noon Information: First place wins $1,000.

Wednesday Point Madness Date: Wednesdays Time: 6:15 p.m. Information: From midnight Mondays to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, players can earn one entry ticket for each slotbase point earned, and be one of 10 winners to receive 50,000 points.

WILD, WILD WEST

HARD ROCK HOTEL

Liquor giveaway Date: Thursdays-Sundays in February Information: Earn 300-same day points to receive a bottle of liquor.

WILDFIRE VALLEY VIEW

Wine giveaway Date: Mondays-Thursdays in February Information: Earn 300-same day points to receive a bottle of wine.

WILDFIRE GAMING

Gift giveaway Date: Wednesdays in February Time: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: Valid at Wildfire Rancho, Wildfire Sunset, Wildfire Casino & Lanes, Wildfire Boulder and Barley’s. Earn 100 points to receive first gift. Earn 250 additional points to receive a second. On Feb. 22, the gift is a bottle of Red Stag by Jim Beam. Wildfire Gaming goes Prize Poppin for Points Date: Fridays and Saturdays in February Location: Barley’s, Wildfire Boulder Highway, Wildfire Rancho, Wildfire Casino and Lanes, and Wildfire Sunset Information: Earn five base points to play kiosk game.

WILDFIRE LAKE MEAD

Liquor giveaway Date: Sundays in February Information: Earn 400-same day points to receive a bottle of liquor.

EL CORTEZ

Winter Wonder Wheel Date: Thursdays through March 30 Time: 7 p.m. Information: Win up to 500,000 points. Players earn one virtual draw-

$30,000 Party Gras Giveaway drawings Date: Feb. 24 Time: Every half hour from 5 to 8 p.m. Information: Earn entries through machine and table play. Earn 10x entries through slot play on Mondays. Bartop multipliers  Date: Sundays-Tuesdays in February Time: 4-7 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. Information: Earn 10x points on bartop slot machines.

SOUTH POINT 50+ weekly slot tournament Date: Thursdays Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: Open to loyalty-card members 50 and older. First entry is free with a swipe at a club kiosk; collect a second by earning 250 points and a third by earning 500 points. Top prize is $1,500; total prize pool is $5,200. $600,000 Crazy Cupid’s Money Madness Date: Ongoing Information: Win a super-progressive bonus while playing slot machines. The bonus will begin at $10,000 and continue to grow until one slot club card carrier is chosen at random. The Super Progressive Cash Bonus will hit before it reaches $25,000, and when it does, any active Casino Club player will win $25 in free play. The bonus then resets at $10,000. A free play progressive bonus starting at $1,000 also must hit by the time it reaches $2,500. Point multipliers Date: Feb. 20 Information: Receive 2x points on video poker and 5x points on slot machines.

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

editorial

We want to hear from you Send your feedback to news@thesunday.com

Don’t let disabled children be forsaken

uring the George W. Bush administration, the Department of Education set up a web page providing an explanation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The page was praiseworthy. Instead of merely posting the 159-page act and forcing people to interpret it, the department distilled the act into a “one-stop” overview that offered plain language to parents, students, advocates and educators seeking information about disabled students’ education rights. But it’s not available now, and the circumstances surrounding its disappearance are disturbing. According to various news reports, the page went down after Betsy DeVos stumbled under questioning about the disabilities act during her confirmation hearings. By the time she was confirmed, with Vice President Mike Pence casting a tie-breaking vote, the page was down. Department officials attributed the page’s disappearance to a technical problem, but there’s reason to be skeptical of that claim. Not only did DeVos insist during her confirmation hearing that it should be up to states to decide whether to honor disabled students’ education rights, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been highly critical of the act. In 2000, while serving as a U.S. senator, he said it led to “special treatment of certain children” and “acceleration in the decline of civility and discipline in classrooms across America.” Throw in Donald Trump’s mocking of a disabled re-

porter during the election, and there’s reason for people to be sensitive about the disappearance of the page. If it turns out there is any movement by the Trump gang to dial back protections of disabled students’ rights, that’s unacceptable. There was a time in the not-so-distant past when disabled students were largely treated as second-class citizens in schools, segregated and denied an equal level of education. Not only did this impede their academic development — they often received lower-quality instruction than their classmates and were robbed of the chance to benefit from peer instruction — but it hindered them socially by limiting their exposure to others. The system resulted in institutionalized ostracization. Thanks to decades of work by parents, students and activists, our society has made great strides in education for disabled students. There can be no step backward. The good news is that activists and others are watching closely and are being quick to speak out when they come across causes for concern, like the IDEA page going down. Whether or not the page’s disappearance was an accident, government officials say it will be restored. They should be held accountable to make sure that happens. Meanwhile, Nevada’s congressional delegation should do its part to watchdog the Trump administration and do what it takes to ensure the rights of disabled students are protected to the full extent of the law.

Do you agree? Contact Nevada’s U.S. senators and representatives and let them know. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev. n Phone: 202-224-6244 n Email: heller.senate.gov/public/index. cfm/contact-form Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev. Phone: 202-224-3542 n Email: cortezmasto.senate.gov/content/ contact-senator n

Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev. Phone: 202-225-5965 n Email: titus.house.gov/contact/email-me n

Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev. Phone: 202-225-6155 n Email: amodei.house.gov/email-me n

Rep. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev. Phone: 202-225-3252 n Email: rosen.house.gov/contact/email n

Rep. Ruben Kihuen, D-Nev. Phone: 202-225-9894 n Email: kihuen.house.gov/contact n

INVITES YOU AND A GUEST TO SEE

DVOŘÁK’S

Rusalka SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 AT 9:55AM At Regal Village Square Stadium For a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Live on-screen performance February 25th, send an email to lasvegasmovies2016@gmail.com with the subject line “RUSALKA” No purchase necessary, while supplies last. Tickets are good for one admission at the pre-specified theatre chain guaranteeing you a seat at the theater until fifteen minutes before show time. Tickets will be emailed to the winner and must be exchanged at the box office. Tickets cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. Void where prohibited by law. No phone calls please. Winners chosen at random. Odds of winning depends on total number of entries

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THE SUNDAY SUN, 02/19/17 4COLOR

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SELMA BA RT L E T T

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the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

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Orchard’s Trail

CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Walk with a Doc: Take in a nature trail with a physician and talk about health. 9:30 a.m., free, Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., springspreserve.org. “Metamorphoses”: Based on Roman poet Ovid’s myths, this play mixes the ancient stories of pathos and tragedy with contemporary language and humor. 2 p.m., $28-$33, UNLV Black Box Theatre, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, 702895-2787. *Also: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23-26 and March 2-4; 2 p.m. Feb. 24-25 and March 5 Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup International Soccer Showcase: This youth tournament features 578 teams from around the world. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating. Times and locations vary, free, lvmayorscup.com. *Also: Feb. 20

Ingredients 2 oz. Havana Club Añejo Clásico Rum 1 oz. Cinzano Bianco Vermouth 1 oz. apple cider 2 dashes Bar Keep Baked Apple Bitters Lime wheel Anise star and cinnamon bark for garnish Method Combine ingredients in shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into chilled coupe glass, garnish and serve.

Mastering the art of balance, this cocktail is fresh and crisp while simultaneously rich and warm. The rum has notes of apricot and pineapple, and the vermouth is sweet, but it’s drier and fruitier than its traditional counterpart. The crisp apple cider and baked apple bitters, in all their caramelized apple and warm spice goodness, tie these elements together to create a cohesive, satisfying drink. Cocktail created by Francesco Lafranconi, Executive Director of Mixology and Spirits Education at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

“The Beauty Queen of Leenane”: This dark, Irish comedy tells the story of a lonely spinster living in isolation with her mother. 2 p.m., $20-$25, 100 S. Maryland Parkway, apublicfit.org. *Also: 8 p.m. Feb. 23-25 and March 2-3; 2 p.m. Feb. 26 and March 5; 2 and 8 p.m. March 4

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Greenspun College of Urban Affairs Scholar Series: David Lewis, professor of social policy and development at the London School of Economics and Political Science, will present “Building the Welfare Mix, or Sidelining the State? Non-governmental Organizations in Developing Countries as Social Policy Actors.” 1-2 p.m., free, UNLV, Greenspun Hall Auditorium, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, unlv. edu/calendar. UNLV women’s basketball: The Lady Rebels play Air Force. 6 p.m., $5, Cox Pavilion, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-739-3267.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Black Weekend 2017: Kemit in the Desert Series: This festival celebrates African and African-American history and features cultural performances including dances, music and spoken word. 7-10 p.m., free, West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702-507-3989. *Also: Feb. 24 Rose Society meeting: Learn how to protect desert roses from powdery mildew, aphids, spider mites, thrips and other common pests. 7 p.m., free, Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road, 702-257-5555.

Beat Poetry Workshop Series with Bruce Isaacson: The Clark County Poet Laureate will host workshops focusing on Beat poetry. 6 p.m., free, Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway, 702-492-7252. *Also: Mondays through March 13

UNLV Wind Orchestra: A Morton Gould Spectacular: The UNLV Wind Orchestra and the Green Valley High School Symphonic Band will perform works by the American composer, conductor, arranger and pianist. 7 p.m., $8-$10, UNLV Artemus W. Ham Hall, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-895-3332.

Shaolin Warriors: Kung fu masters perform skills, artistry and feats of strength and endurance. 7:30 p.m., $24-$85, Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Reynolds Hall, 361 Symphony Park Ave., 702-749-2000.

Genre Book Club: The group will discuss Mary Doria Russell’s sciencefiction novel “The Sparrow.” Attendees are expected to have read the novel in advance. 6-7:30 p.m., free, the Writer’s Block, 1020 Fremont St., 702-550-6399.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Youth Garden Series: Classes for two age groups explore aromatic plants and herbs. 10 a.m.-noon (for children 6-8); 1-3 p.m. (for children 9-12), $30 per series, Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., springspreserve.org.

Mardi Gras Festival: Enjoy an evening of New Orleans food and music featuring a live performance from Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys. 7:30-9 p.m., $10-$15, Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. Fourth St., 702-229-2787.

Distinguished Lecture Series: David Vapnitsky will present “Diving for Sunken Treasure.” 6-8:30 p.m., free, National Atomic Testing Museum, 755 E. Flamingo Road, nationalatomictestingmuseum.org. “All Shook Up”: This musical comedy is built around songs made famous by Elvis Presley. 7 p.m., $15, Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive, 702-838-5131. *Also: 1 and 7 p.m. Feb. 25, March 4; 1 p.m. Feb. 26 and March 5; 7 p.m. Feb. 27, March 2-3 Inquiry: The Art of Scientific Discovery: This exhibit features images that examine the complexity generated in nature by mathematical expressions. 5-7 p.m., free, UNLV, Jessie & Brian Metcalf Art Gallery inside the Richard Tam Alumni Center, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-895-2079. *Also: On display through March 31

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Southwest Tea Fest: The festival features tea cuppings, samplings and tastings. The first 700 attendees will receive free swag bags. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $30-$50, Lucky Dragon Casino, 300 W. Sahara Ave., swteafest.com. *Also: Feb. 26 Polar Plunge: Special Olympics Nevada encourages residents to take an icy dive into the pool for the nonprofit’s annual fundraising event. Costumes are encouraged. An after party will follow the event inside Club Madrid. 10 a.m., free-$100, Sunset Station, 1301 W. Sunset Road, ipolarplungenv.com. Mardi Gras Vegas: Celebrate Cajun and Creole food, music and culture at this family-friendly fest. Noon-4 p.m., $6, Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd., springspreserve.org. The Color Run: Run a 5K through vibrant colors, foam clouds, unicorns and music in benefit of Three Square Food Bank. 8 a.m., $40, downtown Las Vegas, 945 Fremont St., thecolorrun.com. Walk with the Heart of a Child: This walk celebrates and remembers the young lives affected by congenital heart defects. It is a fundraiser for the Children’s Heart Foundation. 7 a.m., $15-$25, Fashion Show mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. South, chfn.org/walk.

LIFE

the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

Charleston Heights Story Slam: Close Calls: Share your seven-minute, genuine story connected to the theme of “Close Calls.” 2 p.m., free, Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702-229-6383.

older can participate. Teams must be 10-12 people with an equal number of male and female members. 8 a.m., $250-$300 per team, Arroyo Grande Sports Complex, upper fields, 298 N. Arroyo Grande Blvd., 702-735-8434.

Global Charity Foundation Mardi Gras Gala: The evening begins with a cocktail reception followed by the program, dinner and live auction. Singer Linda Angeline Duo will perform. 5:30 p.m., $125, TPC Summerlin, 1700 Village Center Circle, 785-608-7129.

Gardening in Small Spaces: This class is geared toward beginning gardeners or those from outside the desert environment. 8 a.m.-noon, $10, Lifelong Learning Center, 8050 Paradise Road, 702-257-5573.

“Swan Lake”: Nevada Ballet Theater presents the classic ballet love story in a full-length production with orchestra. Prior to the performances, attendees can engage with the ballet during an educational discussion in Troesh Studio Theater, adjacent to Reynolds Hall, 45 minutes before curtain. 7:30 p.m., $29-$139, Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Reynolds Hall, 361 Symphony Park Ave., 702-749-2000. *Also: 2 p.m. Feb. 26

Summer Recreation Job Fair: The Henderson Public Works, Parks and Recreation Department is hiring for more than 200 seasonal and parttime summer positions. Open to those 16 and older. 8 a.m.-2 p.m., free, Whitney Ranch Recreation Center/ Aquatic Complex, 1575 Galleria Drive, 702-267-5850.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Kickin’ It for Cartwheel: This kickball tournament will benefit Camp Cartwheel, a supervised overnight camp experience for children who have been diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. Groups, companies and people 15 and

Scale the Strat: Walk or run up 108 floors to raise money for the American Lung Association. Online advance registration closes Feb. 23. Participants must be at least 18. 7 a.m., $60-$75, Stratosphere, 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South, scalethestrat.com.

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Heart & Soul: A Celebration of Gospel and Black History: This festival includes music, dance and song featuring gospel music performances by local church and community groups. There will be food and merchandise vendors. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., free, Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St., 702-267-5707.

UNLV men’s basketball: The Rebels take on UNR. 3 p.m., $20-$140, Thomas & Mack Center, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-739-3267.

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the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

Remark Media CEO Kai-Shing Tao, left, and Chief Technology Officer Jason Wei have overseen the rollout of the company’s KanKan Data Intelligence Platform, which aggregates users’ digital footprints and analyzes behavior based on their social media use, travel and shopping habits. (christopher devargas)

Remarkable growth Emphasis on millennials and the Chinese market fuels Remark Media’s rise By Danielle Birkin | Special to VEGAS INC

Since moving its headquarters from Atlanta to Las Vegas in 2013, global digital-media technology conglomerate Remark Media Inc. has grown its technology portfolio while setting its sights on millennials and reinforcing its reach into the lucrative Chinese market. ¶ Many diverse properties reside under its umbrella — including websites and applications remark, Continue d on page 53

Number of companies that have applied to trademark “Fake News,” including the animation team behind “The Simpsons” and the creators of Cards Against Humanity.

2.25%

Tax that will be placed on properties selling for more than $25 million in San Francisco. The money collected will be placed in a fund to provide free tuition at San Francisco community colleges.

200K $1,200 Approximate number of northern California residents evacuated after a spillway at the nation’s tallest dam was damaged.

Cost in some countries of a year’s supply of the drug deflazacort, which has been approved to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Marathon Pharmaceuticals plans to charge $89,000 a year in the U.S.

THE SUNDAY FEB. 19-FEB. 25

CONTENTS GROUP PUBLISHER Gordon Prouty ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Breen Nolan

NOTEWORTHY STORIES

47 48 56 Q&A WITH SHAVONNAH COLLINS

The managing director of the RedFlint Experience Center at the University of Phoenix talks about civic apathy and the difference between introverts and shy people, and offers a sparkling way to get revenge on an office prankster. THE NOTES People on the Move, P46

MEET CYCLEBAR

Gregorio and Maria Serrata recently opened the 60th U.S. location of CycleBar, a boutique cycling studio that features a theater with 50 bikes that is designed for riders of all levels. TALKING POINTS How to prevent violence in the workplace, P49

DATA AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

A listing of local bankruptcies, bid opportunities, brokered transactions, business licenses and building permits. MORE VEGAS INC BUSINESS NEWS Calendar: Happenings and events, P55 The List: Engineering firms, P60

EDITORIAL EDITOR Erin Ryan (erin.ryan@gmgvegas.com) MANAGING EDITOR Dave Mondt (dave.mondt@gmgvegas.com) ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR/SPORTS AND DIGITAL Ray Brewer (ray.brewer@gmgvegas.com) STAFF WRITERS Mick Akers, Jesse Granger, Chris Kudialis, Thomas Moore, Cy Ryan, Camalot Todd, Ricardo Torres-Cortez, Ian Whitaker COPY DESK CHIEF John Taylor GENERAL EDITOR Paul Szydelko ASSISTANT GENERAL EDITOR Adam Candee COPY EDITORS Christian Bertolaccini, Jamie Gentner SPECIAL PUBLICATIONS EDITOR Craig Peterson RESEARCHER Clayt Keefer EDITORIAL CARTOONIST Mike Smith LIBRARY SERVICES SPECIALIST Rebecca Clifford-Cruz OFFICE COORDINATOR Nadine Guy

ART ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Liz Brown (liz.brown@gmgvegas.com) DESIGNER LeeAnn Elias PHOTO COORDINATOR Yasmina Chavez PHOTOGRAPHERS L.E. Baskow, Christopher DeVargas, Steve Marcus, Mikayla Whitmore

ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER OF ONLINE MEDIA Katie Horton GROUP DIRECTOR OF SALES OPERATIONS Stephanie Reviea PUBLICATION COORDINATOR Denise Arancibia SENIOR ADVERTISING MANAGER Jeff Jacobs EXTERNAL CONTENT MANAGER Emma Cauthorn BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST Sandra Segrest ACCOUNT MANAGERS Katie Harrison, Dawn Mangum, Sue Sran ADVERTISING MANAGERS Kelly Decker, Brianna Eck, Kelly Gajewski, Chelsea Smith, Danielle Stone, Alex Teel

MARKETING & EVENTS EVENT MANAGER Kristin Wilson DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Jackie Apoyan

PRODUCTION VICE PRESIDENT OF MANUFACTURING Maria Blondeaux PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Paul Huntsberry PRODUCTION MANAGER Blue Uyeda PRODUCTION ARTIST Marissa Maheras, Dara Ricci ART DIRECTOR Sean Rademacher GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Michele Hamrick, Dany Haniff TRAFFIC SUPERVISOR Estee Wright TRAFFIC COORDINATORS Kim Smith, Meagan Hodson

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Ron Gannon ROUTE MANAGER Joel Segler

GREENSPUN MEDIA GROUP CEO, PUBLISHER & EDITOR Brian Greenspun CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Robert Cauthorn MANAGING EDITOR Ric Anderson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erik Stein

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7 Vegas Inc (USPS publication no. 15540), 2275 Corporate Circle, Suite 300, Henderson, NV 89074 is published every Sunday except the first Sunday of the year by Greenspun Media Group. Periodicals Postage Paid at Henderson, NV and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Vegas Inc 2275 Corporate Circle Suite 300 Henderson, NV 89074 702.990.2545

LAS VEGAS SUN ARCHIVES

VINTAGE VEGAS: MILLION-DOLLAR FIRE AT THE SAHARA On Aug. 25, 1964, a work crew using welding equipment on the roof of the Sahara resort sparked a fire, sending gamblers running out onto the streets. Guests in the main hotel and pool area were not affected by the event, but the casino, executive offices, coffee shop, lounge and showroom were evacuated. Damage to the property was estimated at $1 million.

Once home to legendary performers such as Jerry Lewis, Johnny Carson and Frank Sinatra, the Sahara opened in 1952 and was a mainstay on the Strip for 59 years before closing its doors to undergo a $415 million renovation. The property reopened on Aug. 26, 2014, rebranded as SLS Las Vegas. â€” REBECCA CLIFFORD-CRUZ

For inquiries, write to: Vegas Inc 2275 Corporate Circle, Suite 300 Henderson, NV 89074 For back copies: Doris Hollifield at 702.990.8993 or e-mail at doris.hollifield@gmgvegas.com For subscriptions and customer service: Call 818.487.4538, or visit vegasinc.com. For annual subscriptions, $50. For single copies, $3.99.

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the sunday

the notes

feb. 19-Feb. 25

Aleem Dhalla, Margaret Foley, Alexandria Layton, Jennifer McBee and Adam Tully joined Snell dhalla & Wilmer’s Las Vegas offices. Dhalla focuses on business and commercial litigation, as well as layton labor and employment. Foley, Layton, McBee and Tully focus on commercial litigation. The firm’s Brian tully Blaylock and Kade Miller are founding board members of the NevadaUtah chapter of the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors. The Alliance is an international organization serving the educational and transactional support needs of middle market mergers and acquisitions professionals. Carlos Blumberg joined De Castroverde Law Group focusing on personal injury, real estate, family law and other business-related cases. Blumberg is a founding member of the Nevada Dispensary Association and has become an expert in Nevada’s marijuana laws.

Send your business-related information to news@vegasinc.com

chick in Boston.

foley

mcbee

Three Square Food Bank promoted Andrea Martimartinez nez, Kate McLaughlin and Regis Whaley. Martinez is programs manager, McLaughlin is logistics manager and Whaley is business support manager. Ellen Whittemore is a shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. Her practice focuses on gaming and compliance.

ment in building effective family-school partnerships. They are among only four schools in Nevada and 173 schools across the United States to receive the designation. Brady, a full-line janitorial supply, equipment and food service distributor based in Las Vegas, opened branches in California, Arizona and Maryland. mclaughlin

whaley

Kelli Little is community services supervisor at the Nevada Donor Network. Lauren Sasso is a senior PR specialist at the Firm Public Relations & Marketing. blaylock

Marc Turner is CEO of Desert Hope Treatment Center.

little

Marc Comella is an independent member and chairman of the compliance committee at GameCo. Jared Banes is shareholder and director of risk management at LP Insurance Services.

miller

blumberg

Karl Rutledge of Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie is chairman of the Gaming Law Committee of the American Bar Association Business Law Section. He previously served as the committee’s director of programs. rutledge Christopher Bentley is the executive vice president in the multifamily division of Colliers International – Las Vegas. He was principal of the Bentley Group Real Estate Advisors.

The Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association honored Nevada Supreme Court Justice Michael L. Douglas with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Fisher Phillips formed a Pay Equity Practice Group, launched in response to legisladouglas tive and regulatory initiatives and subsequent employer concerns over pay equity issues. The group is national in scope and is led by Kathleen McLeod Caminiti in New Jersey, Cheryl Behymer in Columbia, and Cheryl Pinar-

Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing earned four awards at the annual manager’s meeting for American Residential Services, its parent company. banes They were Safety Branch of the Year — West, Most Improved Branch Profit Dollars, Highest Margin Branch, and Most Profitable Branch in Dollars. Lance Fernandez was named general manager of the year. Andre’s Bistro & Bar, owned by Stacked Hospitality, is open at 6115 S. Fort Apache Road. Scott Sampson is the executive chef. Patrick Trundle is the general manager. The Latin Chamber of Commerce Board Installation Gala recognized Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison as Champion of Nevada, Randy Garcia as LCC Philanthropist of the Year and Radioactive Productions as LCC Member Business of the Year. The 2017 board of directors is made up of Chairman Daniel J. Tafoya, Clark County School District; Vice Chairman Norberto Madrigal; Lunas Inc., Secretary-Treasurer Edgar Patino, NV Energy; Assistant SecretaryTreasurer Andres Estrada, Lamar Advertising Co., Immediate Chairperson Maggie Arias-Petrel, Global Professional Consulting; two-year directors Chris Roman, MundoMax & Roman Communications Group; Debbie Holleran, CenturyLink; Frank Canales, Happy Tours; Jose Valenzuela, city of North Las Vegas; Sam Loya, Lotus Broadcasting; Sandy Colon-Peltyn, Foundation for Excellence & Distinction; and one-year directors Alex De Castroverde, De Castroverde Law Group; Arturo Castro Jr., Hispana Comunicación Integral; Daniel Johnson, Station Casinos; Jose Luis Melendrez, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and Vidal Gonzalez, MGM Resorts International Richard H. Bryan, William and Mary Scherkenbach and John C. Vanderburg elementary schools have been selected as National PTA (Parent Teacher Association) Schools of Excellence for their achieve-

The Urban Chamber of Commerce celebrated its Annual Green Tie Awards for 2016. Honorees were: n Small Business of the Year: Love Engineering n

Legacy Entrepreneur of the Year: Tuxedo Junction

Community Champion: Communities In Schools

Excellence in Education: Nevada State College

Diversity in Contracting: Las Vegas Paving Corp.

Corporation of the Year: Las Vegas Sands Corp.

The Hard Rock Hotel unveiled the first phase of a $13 million refresh of its Casino Tower. The property has renovated 575 standard rooms, and a second phase of the remodel will upgrade the remaining 65 luxury suites. Upon completion, 640 rooms and suites will have been renovated. Ground was broken on the Henderson Unmanned Vehicle Range, a test site for drones. The range is the result of a partnership with the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Nevada State College. Henderson broke ground on Fire Station 91 at 2901 Democracy Drive, the community’s 10th fire station and the first new station to open in 15 years. The station was designed by Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects and is being built by Core Construction. ACS Marketing is representing Geberit Plumbing in Southern Nevada. The NuMale Medical Center offers a sonic treatment for erectile dysfunction. The Nathan Adelson Hospice and Montevista Behavioral Health Hospital were recipients of the Southwest Alliance for Excellence’s 2016 Performance Excellence Program. Richmond American Homes purchased nearly 31 acres in Cadence to build Encore and Sonatina. Encore’s 49 single-story homes will range from 2,050 to 2,550 square feet. Sonatina will have 151 two-story homes ranging from 1,800 to 2,300 square feet. Several local companies received perfect scores on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2017 Corporate Equality Index. They are Caesars Entertainment Corp., the Cosmopolitan, MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts. The index ranks corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality. Luken Communications launched the Action Channel and The Heartland Network on KMCC, a station owned and operated by Cranston II. Las Vegas-area viewers can find Action over-the-air on channel 34.1, as well as on Cox channels 14 and 1014, on DirecTV channel 34, on Prism channels 32 and 1032 and on Dish Network channel 32. Heartland is available over the air on channel 34.2 and on Cox channel 97. The Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors broke ground on its headquarters near Rainbow Boulevard and the 215 Beltway. Boyd Gaming Corp. finished a sweeping redesign and renovation of the California. GlowZone Las Vegas is open at 6630 Arroyo Springs St., Suite 1200. The facility offers family friendly activities under black lights and other effects.

the interview Send your business-related information to news@vegasinc.com

the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

Q&A with Shavonnah Collins

‘Love who you are and constantly improve yourself’ As managing director of the RedFlint Experience Center at the University of Phoenix, Shavonnah Collins’ mission is to make sure entrepreneurs have the support, tools and resources they need to reach their goals, whether it’s starting a business from the ground up or adding new elements, such as marketing or social media, to an established company. “What we do is not easy,” she said, “but it is worthwhile and fulfilling knowing you are helping someone else have an easier journey.” What is the best business advice you’ve received? Somewhat ironically, the best business advice I have received is “never take just one person’s advice.” I was attending the University of Miami at the time and was taking refuge in a local business after a hurricane had hit the city. The power was out from the storm and I struck up a conversation with an investment banker who was there waiting out the storm. I asked him for investment advice, but instead received the advice that has stuck with me to this day. What it means to me is that not everyone knows everything. People see the world differently and have a wealth of different experiences. If you have questions or need advice on a subject, ask a lot of people. You’ll learn how to Shavonnah Collins calls herself “a practitioner of intention,” meaning that if she approach your problem from multiple has a dream, she follows it. Her dream has led her to the RedFlint Experience Center angles, which can help point you in the at the University of Phoenix. (Mona shield payne/special to vegas inc) best direction. who thought he would capitalize on need some help? my irrational fear of bugs and left a What’s the biggest issue facing RedFlint offers access to meeting dead creature on my desk. After a full Southern Nevada? or coworking spaces, networking freak-out, I left him a shining remindThe biggest issue I’ve experienced events, the latest tech or just access er of how much of a joy I can be by fillis people not participating in the city/ to free Wi-Fi. ing his tissue box, file folders and even state — like voting or being involved n Location: 300 S. Fourth St., his entire volume of Nevada Revised in city events. People like to complain Suite 180 in downtown Las Vegas Statutes with the finest glitter I could when there are issues or aspects of the n Phone: 702-408-3200 find. I’m pretty sure he’s still finding city or state that they don’t like, but n Email: redflint@phoenix.edu glitter nearly 10 years later. they do nothing to voice their opinions or be the change. Get out there, If you could change one thing build community and get involved. about yourself, what would blazers in both my personal and prothat be? fessional lives. It’s empowering to see What has been your most Part of my philosophy is to love who people I work with be faced with chalexciting professional project? you are and constantly improve yourlenges and decide that what they want Hands down, RedFlint has been the self. I do have a goal for 2017 to help is much bigger and better, so they surmost exciting project for me. What improve who I am. I want to become mount those obstacles. we’re doing at RedFlint through Unimore fluent in Spanish and Japanese. versity of Phoenix is unprecedented. I’m planning to spend a month vacaWhat is your biggest pet peeve? RedFlint is a first-of-its-kind center tion in Japan and I vacation a lot in People who don’t know how to comthat provides the technological and Mexico, so I want to be able to better municate properly. We’ve all seen or career resources to help people adspeak those languages. experienced those people who, when vance their careers and businesses they’re angry or excited or frustrated, grow. I have been involved in the What is something people might just yell rather than stating why they startup scene in Las Vegas for half a not know about you? feel the way they feel and what they decade and help facilitate Startup A lot of people think that because hope to get out of an interaction. Weekends. I’ve worked with countI run RedFlint and am always out at less entrepreneurs and startups, and events and at the forefront of a lot What is your funniest or most all of those experiences culminate in of initiatives that I’m very outgoing, embarrassing work story? RedFlint. but I’m actually an introvert. People One of my first jobs out of college have this misconception that being was at a local law firm. I had a pretty Whom do you admire? an introvert means you’re shy or don’t solid bond with one of the attorneys I respect and admire many trail-

like being around people, but really it means instead of drawing your energy from groups or tons of human interaction, you recharge through self-introspection and deep conversations with small groups. You seem to have a passion for business as well as educating. Which one came first? My passion for business came first, but it evolved into a passion for education. In high school, I took a military career aptitude test, and the results said I should become a teacher. At the time, I didn’t want to be a teacher. I went to college to study business and, over time, as I became more involved with startups and helping other people start their businesses, I realized that the two complemented each other so well. Business is still my passion, but I understand the importance of teaching and education. I even became an instructor at UNLV, so in some ways that test was correct in my future career. How important is tech literacy for upcoming generations? Do you think programming and advanced computer-related classes are getting enough attention in schools? It is crucial that today’s youth have a tech advantage growing up, and it’s up to us as educators and business leaders to ensure they are prepared. What we’re seeing with the advancements in technology is that tech literacy is the next currency in business. That is something Dennis Bonilla, one of the co-founders of RedFlint, says often. Tech is only going to become more important for people’s careers and in everyday life. I don’t think programming and advanced computer-related and tech classes are being taught enough, but we’re working on it. There are a lot of great programs and organizations that focus on exposing students to tech at younger ages so they are prepared for the future. We’re getting there, but more needs to be done.

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

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Cycling studio’s aim: Build a fitness community VEGAS INC STAFF

Gregorio and Maria Serrata recently opened the 60th U.S. location of CycleBar, a boutique cycling studio that features a theater with 50 bikes that is designed for riders of all levels (though they must be 5 feet tall to fit on the equipment).

CycleBar Henderson Address: 2280 Paseo Verde Parkway, Suite 160, Henderson Phone: 702-550-0459 Email: henderson@cyclebar.com Website: henderson.cyclebar.com Hours of operation: Varies Owned/operated by: Gregorio and Maria Serrata

Describe your business.

CycleBar is an indoor cycling experience, offering a sense of community in state-of-the-art studios, concierge-level service and premium amenities. What is your business philosophy?

It’s not just about awesome exercise, it’s about building a community and an environment where all feel welcome and embraced to work out in a luxury, boutique fitness studio. We want to take away the intimidating feeling of boutique cycling while still being exhilarating and having a fun workout. What obstacles do you expect your business will need to overcome?

There are so many people who have never tried boutique cycling, or they’ve only tried it in the bigbox gym environment. We need to make sure we always have a steady stream of new riders. CycleBar is a national cycling brand, but it is locally owned and operated. People appreciate local businesses with the quality of a national brand. How can Nevada improve its business climate?

When the state takes time-consuming requirements off owners’ hands, we can spend more time taking care of customers and providing a better experience. What has been your hardest lesson in business?

Time management. Maria and I have four kids under age 11, and I still have a day job to take care of. Luckily, we get a lot of support from the franchise and our staff, who help us sleep well at night. Why is your business called CycleBar? Do you sell special workout drinks?

We offer water bottles (chilled or room temperature), fresh fruit, cycling shoes, towels, lockers and two private showers among a couple-dozen other amenities, all complimentary. We use a weighted bar for an upper body workout portion of the 50-minute ride, hence the name CycleBar. The name also associates with a fun, social atmosphere. How do your instructors keep everyone motivated?

All of our CycleStars underwent a four-day, all-day intensive boot camp with one of CycleBar’s master CycleStar instructors. Training included technology mastery, playlist building, proper form, tempo and CycleStats training. We do not try to change the instructors. We want them to be unique. We give them a format to follow, but we never try to change their style or personality. We encourage theme rides that accentuate their unique personalities such as genre rides, mashups, throwbacks, etc. These rides help riders really see the CycleStar’s personality shine. Fitness tech has exploded in popularity. In what ways does CycleBar combine fitness and technology?

Regardless of class type, riders get an email after each ride with their stats and music playlist for free download. Flat-screens are used to create in-class competitions and team competitions. How does a beginner get involved with CycleBar or indoor cycling in general? Any tips on getting started?

We are holding free rides until March 5. Go to our website and view the schedule. Any class that is available on the schedule is open for you and your friends to try us out.

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by the numbers

$2.5 million

Amount Vizio agreed to pay to settle allegations of unauthorized tracking. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Vizio smart TVs collected viewing data from 11 million users without consent. The firm was accused of selling this information to third parties for targeted advertising.

$167 million

Amount Twitter lost in the fourth quarter of 2016. The number of active users, though, increased by 4 percent to 319 million.

150,000

Number of printers around the world that a high school student hacked in a single night. The hack was harmless, but the teen wanted to show how easily devices could be hacked.

$1 billion

45 percent

260,077

Number of jobs in the solar industry, according to 2016 data from the National Solar Jobs Census. Last year, 2 percent of all new jobs were in the solar industry. Two-thirds of solar jobs can be obtained with just a high school diploma.

90 percent

Number of human workers who have been replaced by robots in a Chinese factory that reduced its workforce by 590 employees and has seen a 250 percent increase in production. It plans to reduce the number of employees to 20 eventually.

feb. 19-feb. 25

How to prevent violence in the workplace

Request information from hile you cannot guest column: employees who seek protective accurately predict Travis Vance orders. If an employee has requested a everyone who may protective order against someone, ask present a risk of for a photograph of the person. Provide workplace violence, perhaps you can the photo to on-site security, reception employees anticipate and head off some incidents. Many workplace and management. If the individual arrives at your violence episodes are related to nonwork issues and may workplace for any reason, have the designated company include family or marital conflict, divorces and child representative approach the individual in a calm custody disputes. manner, isolate the individual in a designated area, and Rather than react to workplace violence, consider request that security respond to the situation. being proactive to stop these incidents before they Recognize your responsibility. Once you ask occur. or require employees to alert you to requests for Pay attention if an employee is served with legal restraining orders or concerns about domestic violence, process. If a sheriff arrives to serve legal process on you are taking on a duty to respond to this knowledge. an employee, watch for more red flags. You may want A Missouri court recently found an employer liable to ask the employee if he or she desires counseling, because it was on notice of threats from an employee’s although this may be an inflammatory move — you will ex-boyfriend and offered to form ad hoc groups of be the best judge of that. Offer administrative leave if a employees to walk her to her car instead of using cooling-off period is appropriate. If the employee storms professional security. An incompetent or incomplete off prior to an opportunity to meet with him or her, response to workplace violence concerns or to an active ensure that security staff are aware of the situation. If shooter may be used as evidence that you failed to meet you receive any threats, call the police. Don’t wait for the your duty. irate employee to return. If necessary, retain a private Travis Vance is of counsel at the law firm Fisher & armed security service. Phillips’ office in Charlotte, N.C. A version of this column Unfortunately, local law enforcement is often limited originally appeared at the Fisher & Phillips Workplace in how it can respond to threats and bad behavior. The Safety and Health Law blog, which can be found at prudent course may be to retain security until the workplacesafetyandhealthlaw.com. situation has cooled.

Approximate investment Ford Motor Co. is making in Argo AI, an artificial intelligence startup focused on self-driving technology.

Share of American children, ages 3 and under, who are living in low-income families, according to the National Center for Children in Poverty. Low-income is defined as a family income below two times the federal poverty threshold. This percentage equates to about 5.2 million children.

the sunday

Smith’s world

Mike Smith is an award-winning editorial cartoonist who also draws for the Las Vegas Sun. His work is distributed nationally by King Features Syndicate. See archives of his work at lasvegassun.com/smithsworld.

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

your Business-to-business news Send your business-related information to news@vegasinc.com

Inside a hot new industry, from seed to weed By chris kudialis Staff Writer

Extend your arms wide and you can almost touch both walls of an allwhite, fluorescent-lit hallway inside Desert Grown Farms Cultivation Facility in the central Las Vegas Valley. Jump with your hands up and you’ll almost touch the ceiling. The narrow walkway feels like a set piece from “The Matrix,” except in place of sunglasses and a leather overcoat, you’re wearing a hairnet, surgical mask, black rubber gloves, booties and a disposable, navy-blue bodysuit not unlike hospital scrubs. “The idea is that the environment is sterile and clean,” says Armen Yemenidjian — who co-owns Desert Grown Farms with philanthropist Armen Yemenidjian cares for marijuana plants at a Desert Grown Farms Camille Ruvo and Brian Greenspun, Cultivation Facility. (steve marcus/staff) CEO and publisher of Greenspun ing racks. A humidifier roars in the Media Group, the parent company of marijuana strains — many with fanbackground, nearly drowning out this magazine. “We take care to make ciful names such as Grape Stomper conversation. sure nothing from outside that could and Black Gorilla No. 3 — are as wide The harvested plants will sit two to infect our plants is brought inside.” as an ear of corn. THC crystals on the three weeks in the pitch dark, hangMedical marijuana facilities like buds glisten under high-pressure soing upside down so their nutrients this have been popping up around dium lights, which fill the room with move from their stems to their buds. town since late 2015, when dispenvarying levels of artificial sunlight When the dried-out trees are ready saries in Nevada began opening their for 12 hours each day, before they’re for shucking, Furtado hand-cuts the doors. The demand for grow houses switched off for 12 hours each night. remaining leaves and puts them in should only increase once the Legis“Go ahead,” Yemenidjian says, enairtight plastic bins. lature works out details on institutcouraging us to touch the live buds Though he’s cultivating 60 strains, ing Ballot Question 2, which passed with our gloved hands. Blue Frost Yemenidjian plans to sell only 15 at a in November and legalized up to flowers smell like freshly baked bluetime to dispensaries across the valley. one ounce of marijuana flower or an berry muffins, Strawberry Cough The rest will be preserved in the bins, eighth of an ounce of marijuana conlike newly picked strawberries. They to be sold when Desert Grown Farms’ centrates for recreational use. leave a sticky, sweet-scented nectar clients “get bored and want some“The number of people who qualify on our fingertips. thing new,” he says. to purchase cannabis will increase “We’re just hunting for the best gedramatically,” Yemenidjian says. netics right now, so we’re growing a nnn “The industry expects clientele to little bit of everything,” says Yemeni(increase) three or four times from djian, who also co-owns a neighborWith medical-marijuana facility medical.” ing edible production facility called license-holders set to get first dibs Desert Grown Extracts, and the valon a new batch of recreational facilnnn ley’s three Essence Cannabis Dispenity licenses that could double the saries, also with partners Ruvo and number of dispensaries and cultivaInside one of seven plant-filled Greenspun. tion, production and testing facilities rooms at the 54,000-square-foot DesBeneath the plants, a fertigation over the next 18 months, Yemenidjian ert Grown Farms, about 1,200 lush, system — that’s fertilization plus irsays recreational legalization will unskunky-smelling “trees” as tall as 4 feet rigation — feeds them a nutrient-rich doubtedly mean more business for have spent up to 18 weeks growing to mix of liquid fertilizer up to five times him. maturity. The process starts from the a day. The feed gets funneled in from Ditto for Kevin Biernacki, head time they’re clipped as a 3-inch branch six 1,600-gallon tanks in another cultivator at the Grove medical from one of the facility’s 400 mother room. “This place is way too big to marijuana cultivation facility, a plants — a process known as cloning. hand-water,” he says matter-of-fact32,000-square-foot grow house just The plants are raised in ground-up coly. “It would take way too much time.” south of the Strip. Biernacki, too, conut husks, a hydroponic substitute Back in the all-white hallway, C.J. passes his visitors a pair of booties, a for soil and Rockwool. Furtado, Desert Grown Farms’ ashairnet, a disposable face mask and a Half of this particular flower room’s sistant director of cultivation, opens bodysuit — white this time — to preadult plants were cut from their stems a door to a room of total darkness. vent common parasites such as thrips and taken to dry in a Desert Grown Yemenidjian activates the flashlight and spider mites from getting near Farms darkroom earlier in the week. on his cellphone and reveals some his plants. He leads to another sterThe remaining 600 trees are getting 70 marijuana plants — recently harile, all-white hallway leading to three close to being harvest-ready. Some vested and hanging from metal dryrooms home to more than 4,000 marof the thickly budded branches’ 60

ijuana plants. Each 1,600-square-foot room features double-deck growing racks, which allow Biernacki to produce twice as much marijuana in the same amount of space. This place cranks out 6,000 pounds of medical marijuana annually, later sold in its own Las Vegas- and Pahrump-based dispensaries, along with about 50 other medical dispensaries statewide. Across the hall, three more 1,600-square-foot rooms sit empty, waiting for recreational marijuana’s legal framework to kick in next summer, which could double the facility’s output. “We’re probably not looking until July 1 to expand, until we know how the Legislature is going to implement rec,” Biernacki says. “It’s hard to say right now how they’re going to fulfill that.” Unlike Yemenidjian, Biernacki uses only water to hydrate his facility’s plants, which grow 2 1/2 to 3 feet at their maximum height. Instead of fertilizers, the Grove’s marijuana trees get their nutrients from peatblended natural soil. New clones spend two weeks spreading their roots in the soil before vegetating two more weeks under 18 hours of sunlight and six hours in darkness, and finally, nine weeks flowering in 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. The Grove is the only facility in the valley using all-LED lighting as sunlight for its plants, part of Biernacki’s mission to be “as energy-efficient as possible. We’re trying to produce the best carbon footprint we can produce and eliminate the amount of power usage that we draw,” he says. “LEDs are more efficient with power consumption; they’re also more efficient in heat mode, so we can cut back on our AC costs.” Instead of hanging and drying his marijuana plants after harvest, Biernacki cuts the buds off immediately, and places up to 200 pounds worth on baking racks in a dark, humidified drying room. The buds dry for up to seven days before they’re placed in small, air-tight glass jars — up to one pound apiece — where they’re cured for a month. During that time, a cultivation staff of 15 typically opens the jars once a day to air out the buds. After that, the buds stay shut in the jars, which are packed with nitrogen to remarijuana, Continued on page 51

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m arijuana, from page 50

duce harmful oxygen that breaks them down. If preserved properly, they’ll be good for up to a year, Biernacki says. nnn

Edibles-only facility Silver State Wellness doesn’t have to worry about crop-destroying insects coming in from the outdoors to ruin its inventory, which means we don’t need to wear bodysuits here. Visitors to this 17,000-squarefoot production facility, which creates marijuana-infused chocolates, coffee, lotions, breath mints and more are required only to wear a hairnet, face mask and gloves. “It’s literally just to prevent hair,” marketing director Jacob Silverstein says. “The production floor is a clean environment, so we make sure that when we’re handling specialty food products, everybody is wearing those. It’s like lunch ladies in the school cafeteria.” Inside Silver State Wellness, Kristal Chamblee — a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef — pours hot, THC oil-infused milk chocolate into molds. The hardened product will eventually become powerful, 100-milligram THC- and CBD-loaded chocolate bars, a single square of which can give users a “relaxing high,” Chamblee says. Those chocolate bars are among nearly 50 products made on these premises, where $250,000 worth of machinery is used to press, filter and preserve gallons of highly concentrated THC oil from hundreds of pounds of marijuana flower each month. The oils are then infused into the products and packaged on-site. Since Silver State opened in October, its Relaxation Peppermint and Orange Zest Awakening pill-size mints have been its hottest sellers to local dispensaries. Thousands of its root beer-infused elixirs, which feature 100 milligrams of THC per 8.5-ounce bottle, have left the production facility for valley shelves, Silverstein says. Other drink flavors include fruit punch and an Arnold Palmer-style lemonade/ iced tea hybrid. Where growers at Desert Grown Farms and the Grove expect similar requests for their flower from soon-to-be recreational users, Silverstein says recreational and medical users will likely have significantly different preferences for his edible and infused marijuana products. Topical lotions and suppositories currently available to medical cardholders in Nevada aren’t likely to appeal as widely to recreational users choosing products for their psychoactive effects. So Silver State is preparing for an increase in demand for tinctures and coffee, along with its hot-selling mints, chocolates and elixirs, and has a new line of baked goods set to hit the production line soon. Here, as at Desert Grown Farms and the Grove, it’s all about gearing up for another major growth spurt by an industry that pairs especially well with its surroundings. “Las Vegas has the Sin City connotation, and people are comfortable doing things here maybe they wouldn’t do otherwise,” Silverstein says. “We just want to make sure we have everybody’s needs covered.”

the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

Lawmakers scold state treasurer over handling of education programs By thomas moore Staff Writer

A recent Senate Finance Committee hearing to review education programs morphed into a critique of the office and of the seeming willingness of Treasurer Dan Schwartz to ignore the Legislature. Created by the Republican-controlled 2015 Legislature with Senate Bill 302, education savings accounts were intended to give parents a percentage of the average amount Nevada spends on education per student. Parents could use the money to pay for children to be educated in part or entirely outside the public school system. Despite legal challenges to ESAs, including the Nevada Supreme Court ruling that the funding mechanism for ESAs was unconstitutional, the Treasurer’s Office has continued working on the program. That work, as well as continued work on the College Kick Start Program, which the Legislature also had issues with last session, drew the ire of committee members. The program established college savings accounts for students in rural communities. “So it was an end-around what we intended and what was in the governor’s budget,” Sen. Aaron Ford, D-Las Vegas, said about a public information officer whom Ford said the treasurer was using to convince parents to use the ESA program. “We didn’t reject the enhancements (the increased funding the treasurer requested),” said Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, R-Reno, voicing similar concerns with the Kick Start Program. “We said we would talk about it in the next session. Again, you can’t spit in the Legislature’s face and expect a warm handshake in return.” Because the hearing was a budget review and not a general discussion about ESAs, the committee’s questions were about logistics: what the treasurer’s employees were doing, how and when ESAs would be funded and how forthcoming the office had been with statistics about who was applying for ESAs. “I’m a little confused,” Ford said, speaking to Grant Hewitt, the chief of staff for the Treasurer’s Office. “A couple of weeks ago, someone from your office ... sent out to a newspaper in Las Vegas information about demographics. ... We’ve been asking this office for a year and a half for that demographic information.” Hewitt said he could not have provided the data sooner because it only recently became available, and he gave it to the committee as soon as it was compiled. “We have no interest in hiding the football here,” Hewitt said. “We are interested in providing clear and concise data.” Ford was even harsher in his questions when

asking about Kick Start. “This office abuses its discretion too often,” he said. “The treasurer was not to fund Kick Start, and you’ve done it anyway. Please offer me an explanation.” Schwartz said he wouldn’t get into a constitutional debate over who has the power to do what. But he admitted that he worked on Kick Start despite having been told by the Legislature not to. “As far as College Kick Start goes, the answer is, yes, you’re right,” Schwartz said. “You were opposed to our expanding the program. But had we followed that directive, we would have been back here with nothing to show. ... It’s up to you to decide if that’s right or wrong.” Ford was not placated. “This is entirely out of the scope of what you were supposed to do,” he said. “We have to make the decisions about what we allocate. ... We are the Legislature, Dan Schwartz. You’re not the Legislature.” While the specifics of the treasurer’s work on ESAs and on Kick Start generated conflict, the committee found time to hear testimony about whether ESAs were generally good or bad for education in Nevada. At the beginning of his testimony, Schwartz said school choice was needed to improve education in Nevada. “I’m a product of the Chicago public school system, and I couldn’t be happier with my education,” Schwartz said. “But both you and I believe that our standing as 51 out of 50 is unacceptable. It should be the (parents’) decision, not ours, that determines the best school and the best environment for our children.” None of the senators expressed an opinion on ESAs, but the committee heard several witnesses, residents and representatives from interested groups. Sylvia Lazos, the policy director for Educate Nevada Now, a group that has fought against the ESAs, told the committee that the program should be dead already. “When we take money out of education to fund vouchers, that’s unconstitutional,” she said. “When the Legislature sets money aside for education, you have to leave it alone.” The committee also heard from representatives of the American Civil Liberties Union, the Nevada Education Association, a group called Honoring Our Public Education and several private citizens, all of whom were against the funding of ESAs. Other than employees of the Treasurer’s Office, only two people — mothers testifying from Las Vegas — offered testimony in support of the ESA program.

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

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Gaming execs discuss ways to keep downtown vibrant By thomas moore Staff Writer

Five leading gaming executives recently discussed the state of downtown Las Vegas’ gaming industry and how to keep its recent successes going during a panel discussion hosted by the Downtown Alliance. The panel talk included Derek Stevens, owner of the D, Golden Gate, and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center; Jim Sullivan, vice president and general manager of the Fremont; Seth Schorr, chairman of Downtown Grand; Joe Woody, chief financial officer of El Cortez, and Jonathan Jossel, CEO of Plaza Las Vegas. On the event’s invitation, the Downtown Alliance boasted about downtown’s recent success by quoting Nevada Gaming Control Board statistics on gaming revenue and increases in occupancy rates. During the discussion, the panelists echoed that praise. “It’s undeniable in downtown Las Vegas that there has been consistent growth,” Schorr said. “Eight or nine or 10 years ago, there were people who felt it was a fad.” “My perspective is that, you know, we’ve seen two years now of over 5 percent-plus growth of gaming revenue,” Woody said. “And it’s been a

Signs glow over Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas. (associated press)

long time coming.” The panelists offered a number of reasons for that success, including investments each has made in their respective properties, the number and variety of special events staged downtown, and cooperation between casino operators. But to keep the momentum going, they said, downtown would have to enhance transportation, work harder to improve safety and help promote the area as a place to live. Currently, getting downtown can be

a challenge because of Project Neon — the Nevada Department of Transportation’s revamp of the Spaghetti Bowl, where U.S. 95 and Interstate 15 meet — and other challenges. “We know there are issues with the highway and traffic and cabs and Uber,” Stevens said. “Being able to get people into the area, that’s very important.” In addition, the operators continue to worry about the effect homeless people and buskers have on visitors’ perception of downtown.

“Customers have to feel safe in the morning, they have to feel safe in the day and they have to feel safe at night,” Sullivan said. “We have to have a safe, clean environment, and it’s incumbent on us as operators to have that same feeling in our own properties.” Some of the operators said the success of downtown casinos was in part a result of developments on East Fremont Street, outside the traditional tourist area. “I want to say that residential development is important,” Schorr said. “Having more people live downtown will not only add more wallets to the area but also an energy.” “I’ve lived downtown for 10 years,” Jossel said. “And I remember people saying to me, ‘What are you doing down there? Are you crazy?’ Now, people are saying we need more residential development.” Schorr said that despite downtown’s success, the industry still needed to let people know it was a viable alternative to the Strip. “I still think we have a ways to go in general awareness,” he said. “We can’t take that for granted. There are people in the valley who hear a general buzz and they know something’s happening down here. But they really don’t know the experience.”

Why Raiders are so confident about stadium financing in Las Vegas By adam candee Staff Writer

Oakland Raiders officials insist they will acquire the $650 million needed to finance the proposed $1.9 billion stadium in Las Vegas. Exactly who will put up that money has been a mystery since billionaire Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson withdrew his financial commitment to the project. Members of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority board and Raiders representatives attempted to calm concerns about the franchise’s proposed move at a recent board meeting. Raiders President Marc Badain told board members that “financing will not be an issue” following Adelson’s decision to abandon the project. Once thought to be a backup option, Goldman Sachs indicated through representatives that its interest was contingent upon Adelson’s involvement. “We’re in an industry where we’re

used to plugging along, and we’re used to having starts and stops,” Badain said. “(Raiders owner) Mark Davis made a commitment to Gov. (Brian) Sandoval, and we intend to see that through.” Badain said “multiple financial institutions” have called to express interest in joining the stadium project, which includes a $750 million public financing component generated by room tax revenue and a $500 million commitment from the Raiders. Badain did not name the companies or indicate how far into discussions the team had progressed with any of them. “You’d be surprised how many people are interested in funding this project,” Badain said. Badain declined to comment after the meeting, saying he needed to catch a flight. Eight to 10 potential investors contacted Stadium Authority board Chairman Steve Hill after Adelson

stepped away from the project. Hill characterized about half of those contacts as potentially serious backers. “We’ve heard from a broad variety of people,” Hill said. “It’s the Raiders’ job ... to develop that component.” Hill reaffirmed the group’s commitment to bringing an NFL team to Las Vegas within the 18-month time frame allowed by Senate Bill 1, which expires in April 2018. The Legislature passed the bill last year to provide the public financing piece requested by Adelson and the Raiders. “This is a significant opportunity for Las Vegas, and we’re excited by that and we’re thrilled to be a part of that,” Hill said. “We are fully committed to working with the Raiders.” For the Raiders, that timing is much more compressed. The team submitted its relocation application to the NFL last month, and league owners could vote on the move in March. The two sides need to

demonstrate to the league some progress on the draft lease agreement submitted by the team to the board at the group’s last meeting, Badain told Hill. If the Raiders want to use Sam Boyd Stadium as a temporary home until a new stadium is built, UNLV President Len Jessup said the university would consider upgrading the facility to make it suitable for the NFL. Such enhancements could include increasing the temporary capacity of Sam Boyd to 50,000 seats and improving the outdated locker room facilities. Jessup also affirmed UNLV’s commitment to building its own smaller stadium if the NFL did not bring a team to Las Vegas. He expressed confidence he could raise the $200 million required by SB1 as the university’s contribution to such a facility. Jessup pointed out that suite sales and stadium naming rights could be counted toward the $200 million in addition to any donations.

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the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

re m ark, from page 43

‘The younger the demographic, the more visual the consumer is said to be’ that target the personal finance, travel, entertainment, sports, young-adult lifestyle, social media and health care industries. The publicly traded company owns and operates brands such as bikini.com, banks.com, Roomlia, FansTang, Tax Extension, U.S. Tax Center and vegas.com. (Remark Media purchased vegas.com from the site’s founding company, The Greenspun Corporation, in September 2015.) This portfolio allows Remark to provide digital-media experiences in multiple verticals with a consistent focus on the millennial market, according to Remark Chairman and CEO Kai-Shing Tao. “Millennials are the most soughtafter demographic because of their purchasing power, so we’ve created a global ecosystem to target this demographic,” said Tao, who assumed his current post in 2012. “The company has evolved from being a media-content business to being a technology company where our data platform allows us to expand into any industry.” Remark Media’s future lies in its KanKan Data Intelligence Platform, Tao said. The platform aggregates users’ digital footprints and analyzes behavior based on their social media use, travel and shopping habits. KanKan has been gathering, analyzing and organizing global content for less than three years, resulting in 1.3 billion active user profiles; 22 billion posts; 14 billion images; 130 billion comments and reviews; 50 million business profiles; and 40 million point-of-interest profiles. Jason Wei, Remark’s chief technology officer, said KanKan targeted millennials, which aligned with target demographics for other business units within the company. “KanKan is the data hub of all Remark Media’s businesses, current and future, that will connect all Remark customers and provide valuable customer analysis and insights, and data solutions to internal businesses,” Wei said. “For KanKan itself, with partners, it will also build various data solutions for

KanKan has been gathering, analyzing and organizing global content for less than three years, resulting in 1.3 billion active user profiles; 22 billion posts; 14 billion images; 130 billion comments and reviews; 50 million business profiles; and 40 million point-of-interest profiles. global business customers based on its advanced data and artificial intelligence technologies.” In January, Remark announced its collaboration with Chinese investment holding company Tencent to develop marketing solutions powered by KanKan and Tencent Cloud, a high-performance cloud computing service. Tencent Cloud is developing a data platform that can help businesses in several verticals solve marketing challenges, Remark officials said. Also in January, Remark announced a partnership with China-based Alibaba Cloud, one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies, to provide customers with the new Enterprise Data Services Solution, which includes data on tens of millions of businesses in China. Tao said the partnership underscored KanKan’s value and monetization opportunities. “We believe this is just the beginning for our KanKan platform,” he said. “Our data resources and technology expertise represent a tremendous opportunity for additional partnerships with some of the world’s largest companies.” In 2016, Remark acquired FansTang, which provides Western sports and entertainment digital video content, international live event broadcasts and social media content into China. The integration of China Branding Group’s U.S. content and production assets and the FansTang subsidiary will enhance Remark’s millennial appeal in both the U.S. and China, Tao said. “The Chinese digital market is experiencing explosive growth and will continue to do so over the next five years, and we intend to be a part

of that growth,” Tao said. “We’ll be able to use the sales team that China Branding Group has in place to sell across all the different assets for Remark Media.” He noted FansTang’s portfolio of celebrity, sports and entertainment content; its social media community of more than 130 million followers in China; and proven distribution and monetization strategies — all of which would help Remark generate traffic and grow revenue, Tao said. Back on the home front, KanKan is helping Remark’s internal businesses, such as vegas.com and bikini.com, provide useful information to help target the 18- to 34-yearold age bracket, while also generating revenue and keeping ahead of technology trends. The acquisition of vegas.com, Remark’s biggest moneymaker, was a milestone, Tao said. “Vegas.com is our crown jewel,” Tao said. “When we acquired it, we saw a much bigger opportunity to expand it from just ticketing into a media platform, and capitalize on the traffic we generate from producing original content.” Vegas.com President Michael Reichartz said the company had been working on mobile migration as well as striving to improve the user experience. “We’ve been doing a lot of A/B testing, where we build a product and test it on a limited audience to gauge the response before releasing it site-wide,” said Reichartz, who cofounded hotel-booking site Roomlia, which Remark acquired. “Last year, we ran almost 200 tests, and we are on pace for even more in 2017, which allows us to be incredibly nimble,” Reichartz said.

“We’re also seeing the colonization from desktop to mobile devices in the new phone-first kind of environment. The focus on millennials is certainly there for us, too, so we’re trying to present more image-driven content, because the younger the demographic, the more visual the consumer is said to be.” Bikini.com, a luxury lifestyle destination encompassing exotic travel, health and fitness, social consciousness, and designer swimwear and accessories, also is a significant component of Remark’s portfolio, and focuses on an even narrower niche: female millennials. “Bikini.com is about tapping into the daydreamer that’s inside every girl and celebrating that sense of wanderlust,” said Shannon Follansbee, company president. “We celebrate natural beauty and acceptance of all body shapes, and want women to feel confident that bikinis are for everyone.” With more than 3 million social media impressions, bikini.com recently launched its Brand Brand Ambassador program with more than 100 social influencers. In September, it introduced The Wanderlust, a $75-a-quarter subscription series which features a themed discovery box inspired by beach destinations around the world. The box contains beauty, style, travel and fitness essentials such as jewelry, body scrubs, water bottles and beach accessories. Bikini.com also recently rolled out video content on its site. Remark’s 2016 third-quarter results reflect the recent enhancements to its portfolio, as well as the success of KanKan. Its net revenue in the third quarter was $15.1 million, compared with $800,000 for the same period in 2015. For the nine-month period ending Sept. 30, its net revenue was $44.4 million, compared with $2.4 million for the same nine months in 2015. “As we look ahead, we are more excited than ever about our ability to expand our leadership position in global consumer data intelligence and monetize our offerings in that arena,” Tao said.

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Calendar of events MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Pay It Forward Awards & Lunar New Year Celebration Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: $45 for Chinese American Citizens Alliance members; $60 for nonmembers Location: KJ Kitchen at the Rio, 3700 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas Information: Call 702-688-0951 The Chinese American Citizens Alliance hosts this inaugural event featuring a 10-course dinner, lion dancing, Chinese entertainers and a VIP mixer with local professionals and federal and state legislators.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Business Alliance Network mixer Time: 5:30-7 p.m. Cost: Free for Women’s Chamber of Commerce members; $20 for nonmembers Location: Ethel M Chocolates, 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson Information: Visit womenschamberofnevada.com This professional business referral exchange will feature chocolate tastings, photos on the Wall of Chocolate and a tour of Ethel M. Keystone Corp. annual breakfast Time: 7:30-9 a.m. Cost: $30 in advance; $35 at the door Location: Las Vegas Country Club, 3000 Joe W. Brown Drive, Las Vegas Information: Call 702-952-2456 Join the Keystone Corp., a political action organization for the Nevada Conservative, for networking and breakfast. State Sen. Michael Roberson will give an update on his plans this legislative session.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Construction Financial Management Association luncheon Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $30 for CFMA members; $40 for nonmembers

Location: Lawry’s the Prime Rib, 4043 Howard Hughes Parkway, Las Vegas Information: Call 702-493-1066 Russell Price, senior vice president of UBS Financial Services, will present “Improving Enterprise Value.” The Miss Nevada United States calendar release party and networking event Time: 7-9 p.m. Cost: Free, plus drink specials Location: Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar inside the Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas Information: Visit Eventbrite.com Presented by Yvette Auger’s Cosmopolitan Connections, this mixer offers personal and business networking opportunities over the course of a fun, social evening with businesscard prize drawings.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Henderson Chamber of Commerce networking mixer Time: 5-8 p.m. Cost: $15 for Henderson Chamber members; $25 for nonmembers; $10 additional for walk-ins Location: Big B’s BBQ, 3019 St. Rose Parkway, Henderson Information: Call 702-565-8951 This mixer offers professionals a chance to grow their network and business by sharing contacts, referrals and ideas. Business power luncheon Time: 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $50 for Metro Chamber members and elected officials; $65 for nonmembers Location: Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas Information: Call 702-586-3851 U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto will present her first address to the business community since being elected in November. She will discuss a range of business issues on the federal level as well as provide insight into the federal policylandscape.

The Philip Pro Lecture with Ajay Mehrotra Time: 6-8 p.m. Cost: Free Location: Thomas & Mack Moot Courtroom, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas Information: Call 702-895-2489 Mehrotra, executive director and research professor at the American Bar Foundation, will present “Making the Modern American Fiscal State: Law, Politics and the Rise of Progressive Taxation, 1877-1929.” The lecture will cover the intellectual, legal and administrative foundations of how the modern fiscal state came to be. Register in advance to attend. Chinese New Year Gala and Community Achievement Awards Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Cost: $88 Location: Gold Coast, Nevada Ballroom, 4000 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas Information: Call 702-737-4300 Connect with Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce members and local business professionals in celebration of the Chinese New Year. There will be a cocktail reception and silent auction.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 February CommunityCation Luncheon Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: Free Location: The Innevation Center, 6795 S. Edmond St., third floor, Las Vegas Information: Visit Eventbrite.com Vincent Dignan will share tips and resources on how to successfully get the first 1,000 sign-ups or customers for your small business/startup.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Nevada Women’s Business Center Workshops Time: 11 a.m. Cost: Free Location: Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway, Henderson Information: Call 702-492-7252 This workshop will focus on business plans, and what is needed to start a business and become successful.

Conventions

expected Show Location Dates attendance

Medical Group Management Association Financial Management and Payer Contracting Conference

Caesars Palace

Feb. 19-21

500

Off-price Specialist Show

Venetian

Feb. 19-22

11,500

MAGIC Marketplace Spring Show

Las Vegas Convention Center

Feb. 21-23

85,000

MRket Trade Show

Mandalay Bay

Feb. 21-23

7,500

American Society of Pension Actuaries

Caesars Palace

March 3-8

2,210

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

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Records and Transactions BANKRUPTCIES CHAPTER 11 Hartland MMI LLC 265 East Warm Springs Road, Suite 104 Las Vegas, NV 89119 Attorney: David J. Winterton at david@davidwinterton.com KHWY Inc. 101 Convention Center Drive, Suite P109 Las Vegas, NV 89119 Attorney: Matthew L. Johnson at annabelle@mjohnsonlaw.com

Bid Opportunities February 23 2:15 p.m. Alexander Villas Park improvements Clark County, 604344 Sandy Moody-Upton at scm@ clarkcountynv.gov

February 24 3 p.m. Government center — commission chambers preventive maintenance and repair services of the audio/ visual system Clark County, 604303 Chetan Champaneri at chetanc@ clarkcountynv.gov

Brokered transactions Sales $3,500,000 for 18,334 square feet, Industrial 5230 W. Patrick Lane, Las Vegas 89118 Landlord: 5230 LLC Landlord agent: Mike DeLew, SIOR, and Greg Pancirov, SIOR, of Colliers International Tenant: 5230 Patrick LLC Tenant agent: Did not disclose $775,000 for 2.5 acres, land Gomer Road and Fort Apache Road, Las Vegas 89178 Landlord: Wiener 1989 Trust Landlord agent: Did not disclose Tenant: Mosaic Seven LLC Tenant agent: Vince Schettler of Colliers International $500,000 for 7,800 square feet, retail 5110 Washington Ave., Las Vegas 89110 Landlord: David M. Gherig & Associates Landlord agent: Salina Ramirez, CCIM of Commercial Executives Real Estate Services Tenant: Did not disclose Tenant agent: Did not disclose

Lease $547,376 for 6,767 square feet,

office 9121 W. Russell Road, Suite 210, Las Vegas 89148 Landlord: Beltway One Development Group Landlord agent: Soozi Jones Walker, CCIM, SIOR, and Bobbi Miracle, CCIM, SIOR, of Commercial Executives Real Estate Services Tenant: Guarenteed Rate LLC Tenant agent: Did not disclose

BUSINESS LICESNES B&B House Keeping License type: Residential property maintenance Address: Did not disclose Owner: Jose Salazar Banfield Pet Hospital #1896 License type: Miscellaneous sales/ service Address: 6980 N. Fifth St., North Las Vegas Owner: Medical Management International Bazaar Nayarit License type: Storage facility large Address: 3853 E. Craig Road, North Las Vegas Owner: Rosa Ma Del La Torre BF Micavn License type: Management or consulting service Address: Did not disclose Owner: Seung Eun Yang Big Ern’s Essentials License type: General retail sales Address: Did not disclose Owner: Big Ern’s Essentials Bir Azam License type: Real estate sales Address: 9420 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 100, Las Vegas Owner: Bir Azam BLR License type: Property maintenance Address: 1012 Via Stellato St., Henderson Owner: Mundi LLC Bolmer Restoration License type: Contractor Address: 5 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson Owner: Cat Detailing LLC Bongiovi Law Firm License type: Law firm or law office Address: 2831 St. Rose Parkway, Suite 200, Henderson Owner: Bongiovi Law Firm Bowlersmart License type: Bowling equipment sales and services Address: 1301 W. Sunset Road, Henderson Owner: Bowlersmart

Bransen Ruiz License type: Real estate sales Address: 1333 N. Buffalo Drive, Suite 120, Las Vegas Owner: Bransen Ruiz Brent Taylor License type: Residential property maintenance Address: Did not disclose Owner: Brent Taylor Brookside Senior Home Care License type: Group care facility Address: 1134 Galangate Ave., Henderson Owner: Brookside Senior Care Homes Brutal Glass License type: Manufacturing, light assembly and fabrication Address: Did not disclose Owner: Bryon Acevedo

Las Vegas Owner: MBS Clothing Compassion Crest Home Care License type: Interjurisdictional business Address: 1312 S. Eighth St., Las Vegas Owner: Compassion Crest Control Transportation Services License type: Merchandise broker Address: 6255 S. Sandhill Road, Las Vegas Owner: Jill Remick, Donald Staniszewski, Patrick McCluskey and Kathy Bruce Corli Photos License type: Photography Address: 8148 Hometown Hero Drive, Las Vegas Owner: James C. Snyder and Elizabeth Aller

Bryan Chan License type: Real estate sales Address: 7674 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Suite 109, Las Vegas Owner: Bryan Chan

Cosmetique License type: Professional services - medical Address: 1601 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas Owner: Rebekka Juveland

Cannapunch of Nevada - Production License type: Outside MME - MME Address: 5425 Polaris Ave., Las Vegas Owner: Integral Associated

Crosscountry Mortgage License type: Mortgage lending Address: 10424 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 200, Henderson Owner: Crosscountry Mortgage

Carrie Scott License type: Interjurisdictional business Address: 4659 Nocera St., Las Vegas Owner: Carrie Scott

CXD Restoration License type: Trucking Address: 6813 Painted Morning Ave., Las Vegas Owner: CXD Restoration

Casino Party Agency License type: Marketing and consulting Address: 2400 Greens Ave., Henderson Owner: Joey Saccavino

Design & Dine License type: Restaurant Address: 3175 N. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas Owner: Design & Dine

Centennial Foot and Ankle License type: Professional services - medical Address: 6200 N. Durango Drive, Suite 120, Las Vegas Owner: David P. Biesinger, DPM Chacharitas Wireless License type: Miscellaneous sales/ service Address: 3416 E. Lake Mead Blvd., North Las Vegas Owner: Chacharitas Wireless Chamucos License type: Automobile detailing Address: Did not disclose Owner: Victor Hugo Gomez Christian Jimenez License type: Automobile detailing Address: Did not disclose Owner: Christian Jimenez Chung’s Sports Wear License type: Miscellaneous sales/ service Address: 4512 Andrews St., North

Didittt Strategies License type: Management or consulting service Address: 7152 Indian Head Ave., Las Vegas Owner: Kristin Guthrie DLS2009, Quiet Breeze Series License type: Short-term residential rental (PM) Address: 3016 Quiet Breeze Court, Las Vegas Owner: DLS2009 Durango Taco Shop License type: Food services or cafe Address: 7785 N. Durango Drive, Suite 105, Las Vegas Owner: Yangar Foods Unlimited Dysphagia Experts of the West License type: Professional services - medical Address: 150 N. Durango Drive, Suite 230, Las Vegas Owner: Dysphagia Experts of Utah Eastbiz Com License type: Business space rent

or lease Address: 5348 Vegas Drive, Las Vegas Owner: John Vanhara Eatrightlife License type: Personal services Address: Did not disclose Owner: Christopher Staefe and Tori Nakano Ebony Clayton Msw, LCSW License type: Professional services Address: Did not disclose Owner: Ebony A. Clayton Edwin Ganja License type: Watch repair Address: 1245 W. Warm Springs Road, Henderson Owner: Edwin Ganja Elite at Wildhorse Golf Club License type: Golf course, pro shop and restaurant Address: 2100 W. Warm Springs Road, Henderson Owner: Elite at Wildhorse Golf Club Embassy Services License type: General services (counter/office) Address: Did not disclose Owner: Embassy Holdings Emory License type: Apartment house Address: 5100 Obannon Drive, Las Vegas Owner: Brent Emory Fit Body Boot Camp License type: Recreation facility Address: 6475 N. Decatur Blvd., Suite 175, Las Vegas Owner: Big Drive Fitness FSI Construction Inc. License type: Contractor Address: 5728 Teague Road, Las Vegas Owner: Anthony W. Whitaker G&F Pooper Scooper License type: Miscellaneous Address: 1110 Luna Eclipse Lane, Suite 2, Henderson Owner: Gaither Watkins III Gentlemen By Choice Community Development Corp. License type: Nonprofit community services Address: 1016 W. Owens Ave., Las Vegas Owner: Gregory Fields, Richard Jack III and Antonio Mosby Sr. Glitz N’ Pieces License type: General retail sales Address: 1717 S. Decatur Blvd., Suite F3, Las Vegas Owner: Gilt Trading GTT Americas License type: Public utility telephone Address: 7900 Tysons One Place,

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the sunday feb. 19-feb. 25

Records and Transactions Suite 1450, Las Vegas Owner: GTT Communications and Richard Calder Guiping Liu License type: Independent massage therapist Address: 9310 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 120, Las Vegas Owner: Laguna Spa Guy Allen Cunningham License type: Real estate sales Address: 1930 Village Center Circle, Suite 5, Las Vegas Owner: Guy A. Cunningham Head Ass Clothing License type: General retail sales Address: Did not disclose Owner: Joshua B. Wright and Daniel S. Gardner Hitt Contracting Inc. License type: Contractor Address: 2900 Fairview Park Drive., Las Vegas Owner: Gary Unthank, James Millar, Russell and Brett Hitt Imports R Us License type: Auto sales (new and used) Address: 2238 Losee Road, North Las Vegas Owner: Imports R Us Integrity Mobile Auto Service License type: Automotive garage/ service station (minor) Address: Did not disclose Owner: Integrity Mobile Auto Service Jackpot Joanie’s License type: Restaurant Address: 714 N. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas Owner: Jackpot Joanies C R and Big Dogs Cafe & Casino Inc. Janitorial Specialists License type: Repair and maintenance Address: 10844 Franklin Hills Ave., Las Vegas Owner: Carl Pappalardo Jdog Junk Removal & Hauling License type: Miscellaneous sales/ service Address: 3125 Van Der Meer St., North Las Vegas Owner: TNB47 LLC Jerome Harkiewicz License type: Real estate sales Address: 5550 Painted Mirage Road, Suite 140, Las Vegas Owner: Jerome Harkiewicz Jessperna.com License type: Cartoon ad illustration Address: 2096 Ramrod Ave., Suite 1114, Henderson Owner: Jess Perna JLG Industries

License type: Storage facility large Address: 4140 Frehner Road, North Las Vegas Owner: Imports R Us

License type: Professional services - medical Address: 5231 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas Owner: Story of Success

LV Service Solutions License type: Contractor Address: 5000 W. Oakey Blvd., Suites B3 and B4, Las Vegas Owner: Brandon Stavros

License type: Wire service Address: 3290 S. Fort Apache Road, Las Vegas Owner: Steven Piano and W. Alex Holmes

JS Landscape Services License type: Contractor Address: 4429 Losee Road, North Las Vegas Owner: JS Services of Nevada

Las Vegas Equine Assisted Learning and Healing Center License type: Nonprofit community services Address: 5820 W. La Madre Way, Las Vegas Owner: Mark Anton, Nanci Stone and Christopher Anton

Manuel Olivo Montelongo License type: Pro services - legal Address: 2516 E. Lake Mead Blvd., North Las Vegas Owner: Manuel Montelongo

Mongaxi Consulting Services License type: Professional services Address: 3521 Gloucester Gate St., Las Vegas Owner: Clara A. Monarrez and Manuel Monarrez

Junk One License type: Secondhand dealer Address: 153 W. Lake Mead Parkway, Suite 1220, Henderson Owner: Junk One Just Pressure Washing License type: Miscellaneous sales/ service Address: 3017 Dotted Wren Ave., North Las Vegas Owner: James Spencer Kai’s Lash and Foot Spa License type: Cosmetology Address: 6340 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas Owner: Kai’s Lash and Foot Spa Kayla M. Schwartz License type: Real estate sales Address: 10750 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 180, Las Vegas Owner: Kayla Schwartz Kennetha Houston License type: Residential home care provider Address: Did not disclose Owner: Kennetha Houston Kerry Suzanne Spalding License type: Independent massage therapist Address: 4760 S. Pecos Road, Las Vegas Owner: Kerry S. Spalding Kieya Sinclaire License type: Independent massage therapist Address: 760 Coronado Center Drive, Henderson Owner: Kieya Sinclaire Koenig Property Holdings II License type: Business space rent or lease Address: 7652 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas Owner: Koenig Property Holdings II Kristi Alexander License type: Real estate sales Address: 10000 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 130, Las Vegas Owner: Kristi Alexander La Insurance Agency NV36 License type: Insurance agency Address: 1520 N. Eastern Ave., Suite 116, Las Vegas Owner: Basel Nafal Las Vegas Animal Emergency Hospital

Las Vegas Restoration License type: Property maintenance Address: 8809 Scenic Harbor Drive, Las Vegas Owner: Las Vegas Restoration LLC Lee Naturals License type: Food services or cafe Address: 1717 S. Decatur Blvd., Suites E47B1 and E47B2, Las Vegas Owner: Kei Wen Lee Lee’s Discount Liquor License type: General retail sales Address: 7752 N. El Capitan Way, Las Vegas Owner: El Capitan & Lee Legacy Lenz Entertainment Corp. License type: General services (counter/office) Address: 8805 Jeffreys St., Suite 1075, Las Vegas Owner: Brandon Demasi, Olivia Cesena and George Clinton LG Carpentry License type: Contractor Address: 3808 Valley Drive, North Las Vegas Owner: LG Carpentry LH Cleaning Services License type: Residential property maintenance Address: Did not disclose Owner: Erika Loza Rodriguez Lisa Buzelli License type: Real estate sales Address: 10220 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 3, Las Vegas Owner: Lisa Buzelli Los 3 Hermanos License type: General retail sales Address: 4425 Stewart Ave., Suite 108, Las Vegas Owner: Bessy Recinos Luft Heating & Air Conditioning License type: Air conditioning repair and installations Address: 5 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson Owner: Luft Heating & Air Conditioning LV Mobile Auto Detail License type: Automobile detailing Address: Did not disclose Owner: Diana C. Mejia Reyes

Manuela’s Linen Closet License type: Tailor and/or dressmaker Address: Did not disclose Owner: Manuela Ketchum Maria Liza Debrei License type: Real estate sales Address: 1820 E. Sahara Ave., Suite 101, Las Vegas Owner: Maria L. Debrei Marita Michael License type: Residential home care provider Address: Did not disclose Owner: Marita Michael Mason’s Landscape Maintenance License type: Residential property maintenance Address: Did not disclose Owner: Christina L. Mason Matthew Franklin Fosnacht License type: Independent massage therapist Address: Did not disclose Owner: Matthew Fosnacht Meli’s Cleaning License type: Residential property maintenance Address: Did not disclose Owner: Melina Lopez Mental Giants Nutrition License type: Mail order/internet sales Address: 8230 San Mateo St., North Las Vegas Owner: Mental Giants Nutrition Microblading Permanent Makeup by Sophia License type: Permanent makeup Address: 9310 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 120, Las Vegas Owner: Laguna Spa Mmax Investment Partners License type: Marketing and consulting Address: 2520 St. Rose Parkway, Suite 302, Henderson Owner: Mmax Investment Partners Mmm Services License type: Management or consulting service Address: 720 E. Charleston Blvd., Suite 120, Las Vegas Owner: Michelle Molley and Michelle Garcia Moneygram Payment Systems

Moreno and Sons Co. License type: Miscellaneous Address: 980 Mary Crest Road, Suite D, Henderson Owner: Moreno and Sons Co. Mountain View Bistro License type: Restaurant Address: 3250 N. Tenaya Way, Suite 110, Las Vegas Owner: KZ Restaurants Mr. Diesel Truck Repair License type: Garage-auto/truck garage service Address: 3451 Losee Road, North Las Vegas Owner: Leysam LLC

BUILDING PERMITS $8,597,394, commercial - new 4145 Corporate Center Drive, North Las Vegas TWC Construction $7,161,162, commercial - alteration 3330 E. Lone Mountain Road, North Las Vegas Better Building Systems $5,434,182, commercial - new 4215 Corporate Center Drive, North Las Vegas TWC Construction $1,868,827, commercial - alteration 4660 Berg St., North Las Vegas Nu Tone $1,695,000, commercial 801 Upland Blvd., Las Vegas Apco Construction $1,465,720, commercial - addition 204 E. Mayflower Ave., North Las Vegas Fong Construction $750,000, tenant improvement 5639 Centennial Center Blvd., Las Vegas Savant Construction $500,000, tenant improvement 400 S. Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas Kalb Industries of Nevada $449,997, commercial - remodel 1301 W. Sunset Road, Henderson NP Sunset $394,875, fireproof 4490 Nexus Way, North Las Vegas

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

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Records and Transactions Aero Automatic Sprinkler Co. $390,000, electrical 15595 Apex Power Parkway, North Las Vegas Titan Systems $299,988, retail sales 65 N. Gibson Road, Suite 1, Henderson 27 Gibson LLC $274,987, commercial - remodel 10420 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 120, Henderson 86021 LLC $271,406, single-family dwelling 11260 Ansel Court, Las Vegas Pulte Homes of Nevada

2139 County Down Lane, Henderson Toll Henderson $213,443, single-family dwelling 464 Bosco Di Fiore St., Las Vegas Toll North LV $209,379, residential - custom 1035 San Ramos Court, Henderson Greystone Nevada $208,264, single-family dwelling 8383 Aspen Skye St., Las Vegas Pulte Homes of Nevada $203,466, single-family dwelling 9616 Ramon Valley Ave., Las Vegas Greystone Nevada

$258,000, commercial - addition 3200 E. Gowan Road, North Las Vegas Bill Kaiser Erection Specialists

$200,119, residential - production x2 507 and 511 Via Garofano Ave., Henderson Century Communities Nevada

$250,000, electrical 2411 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas Bombard Electric

$197,790, residential - production 733 Coastal Lagoon St., Henderson KB Home LV Pearl Creek

$250,000, electrical 801 Searles Ave., Las Vegas Delta Electric Co.

$181,244, single-family dwelling 12105 Hermesa Colina Ave., Las Vegas Woodside Homes of Nevada

$248,342, single-family dwelling 9620 Ramon Valley Ave., Las Vegas Greystone Nevada $246,272, single-family dwelling 11250 Ansel Court, Las Vegas Pulte Homes of Nevada $225,000, multifamily dwelling 304 W. Cleveland Ave., Las Vegas J4 Development $222,665, single-family dwelling 11290 Ansel Court, Las Vegas Pulte Homes of Nevada $222,289, single-family dwelling 440 Bosco Di Fiore St., Las Vegas Toll North LV $221,467, residential - production 929 Spring Tide Ave., Henderson KB Home LV Pearl Creek $220,051, single-family dwelling 8230 Beldina St., Las Vegas Pulte Homes of Nevada $218,097, single-family dwelling 12109 Hermesa Colina Ave., Las Vegas Woodside Homes of Nevada $215,811, residential - production 3147 Tronzano Ave., Henderson KB Home Inspirada

$181,244, single-family dwelling 12117 Paseo Terraza Lane, Las Vegas Woodside Homes of Nevada $179,159, residential - production 3054 Echoed Rondel Lane, Henderson Century Communities Nevada $177,522, single-family dwelling 359 Valleggia Drive, Las Vegas Woodside Homes of Nevada $175,000, tenant improvement 855 S. Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas Arc Services $173,935, residential - new 2521 Splendid Manor Court, North Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $173,702, single-family dwelling 12169 Castilla Rain Ave., Las Vegas Toll North LV $168,303, single-family dwelling 9717 Summer Bliss Ave., Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $167,685, single-family dwelling 12266 Lorenzo Ave., Las Vegas Pulte Homes of Nevada

$215,590, residential - production 729 Coastal Lagoon St., Henderson KB Home LV Pearl Creek

$161,914, residential - production 152 Fulgora St., Henderson KB Home Nevada

$213,871, residential - production

$160,969, single-family dwelling

10558 Pelican Island Ave., Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $159,308, residential - production 477 Sunrise Breeze Ave., Henderson Greystone Nevada $159,142, residential - production x2 400 and 404 Stetson Creek Ave., Henderson Greystone Nevada $158,479, residential - new 2521 Charmed Oasis Court, North Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $157,019, single-family dwelling 311 Rezzo St., Las Vegas Pulte Homes of Nevada $155,618, residential - new 7112 Whispering Falls Drive, North Las Vegas Woodside Homes of Nevada $154,092, single-family dwelling 10586 Leroux Court, Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $150,270, residential - production 25 Via Tavolara, Henderson Ryland Homes Nevada $150,270, residential - production 5 Vicolo Bella, Henderson Ryland Homes Nevada $150,000, commercial 630 S. 11th St., Las Vegas Master Built Construction $148,351, pool and/or spa 2672 N. Buffalo Drive, Las Vegas Paragon Pools $146,944, single-family dwelling 12242 Los Mares Lane, Las Vegas KB Home Nevada $146,699, single-family dwelling 6415 Matthew Hills Court, Las Vegas D.R. Horton $140,170, single-family dwelling 8425 Aspen Skye St., Las Vegas Pulte Homes of Nevada $139,512, residential - production x2 473 and 481 Sunrise Breeze Ave., Henderson Greystone Nevada $138,815, single-family dwelling 7291 Zonal Ave., Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $138,815, single-family dwelling 9717 Yellow Shadow Ave., Las

Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $138,550, single-family dwelling 7307 Ellington Park St., Las Vegas Toll North LV $138,514, residential - production 1354 Reef Point Ave., Henderson Ryland Homes Nevada $138,306, single-family dwelling 9683 Ashlynn Peak Court, Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $137,294, residential - production 709 Silver Pearl St., Henderson KB Home LV Pearl Creek $135,132, residential - custom 266 E. Country Club Drive, Henderson Jason & Stephanie Lundblad $134,885, single-family dwelling x2 6400 and 6405 Matthew Hills Court, Las Vegas D R Horton $134,688, residential - production 3136 La Crema Court, Henderson Toll Henderson $133,118, single-family dwelling 11813 Barona Mesa Ave., Las Vegas Ryland Homes Nevada $133,118, single-family dwelling 448 Vigo Port St., Las Vegas Ryland Homes Nevada $131,315, single-family dwelling 10582 Leroux Court, Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $131,315, single-family dwelling 6442 Dunns River St., Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $131,015, rehab 2615 Respectful Court, North Las Vegas Advantage Builders of Nevada $130,743, single-family dwelling 11814 Saverio Ave., Las Vegas Pulte Homes of Nevada $130,350, commercial - remodel 178 N. Pecos Road, Suite 120, Henderson Zrob Offices $129,476, residential - production x3 1405, 1461 and 1469 Overseer Ave., Henderson KB Home Nevada $129,476, residential - production 154 Sand Lake St., Henderson KB Home Nevada

$128,905, residential - new 6153 Turaco St., North Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $126,204, residential - production x2 2572 and 2588 Ballatore St., Henderson Toll Henderson $126,204, residential - production 3095 Lucentezza Ave., Henderson Toll Henderson $126,197, residential - new 6133 Turaco St., North Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $125,193, single-family dwelling 11808 Barona Mesa Ave., Las Vegas Ryland Homes Nevada $120,000, plumbing 801 Upland Blvd., Las Vegas Apco Construction $119,273, residential - production 396 Stetson Creek Ave., Henderson Greystone Nevada $119,273, residential - production 408 Stetson Creek Ave., Henderson Greystone Nevada $118,437, single-family dwelling 363 Molinetto St., Las Vegas Woodside Homes of Nevada $117,338, single-family dwelling 6636 Radiant Red Ave., Las Vegas Richmond American Homes of Nevada $112,841, residential - production 3077 Sarsina Ave., Henderson KB Home Inspirada $108,411, residential - new 5738 Colbert St., North Las Vegas Harmony Homes $107,961, residential - production 133 Fulgora St., Henderson KB Home Nevada $107,961, residential - production 151 Fulgora St., Henderson KB Home Nevada $102,527, residential - production 3197 Brescia Bank Ave., Henderson KB Home Inspirada $102,527, residential - production 722 Bollons Island St., Henderson KB Home LV Pearl Creek

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BUSINESS POWER LUNCHEON featuring U.S. SENATOR CATHERINE CORTEZ MASTO

FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Four Seasons Las Vegas | 3960 Las Vegas Blvd. South

Sponsors:

11:15 A.M. - Noon: Registration & Networking Noon - 1:00 P.M.: Program $55: Members | $70: Non-members | $550: Table of 10

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Free 9 Subb ”

35 Valley Locations

the sunday

your Business-to-business news

feb. 19-Feb. 25

Send your business-related information to news@vegasinc.com

The List

Category: engineering firms Ranked by the number of professional staff as of Feb. 10

Year established

Number of professional staff

Number of local licensed engineers

Slater Hanifan Group 5740 S. Arville St., Suite 216 Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-284-5300 • shg-inc.com

2003

116

Skye Canyon Master Plan, Silverado Detention Basin, Nevada Department of Transportation Centennial Bowl CM Services

Ken Hanifan, president

JBA, an NV5 company 5155 W. Patrick Lane Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-362-9200 • jbace.com

1966

109

The Quad Remodel, Ainsworth Game Technology Manufacturing, Spring Valley Hospital Renovations

Dwayne Miller, chairman

Atkins 2270 Corporate Circle, Suite 200 Henderson, NV 89074 702-263-7275 • atkinsglobal.com

1987

Project Neon Design-Build; 215 Beltway; Craig to Hualapai, Construction Management; Las Vegas Wash Channelization Improvements Design

Harshal Desai, vice president

GeoTek Inc. 6835 Escondido St. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-897-1424 • geotekusa.com

1998

Nevada State CollegeHenderson Campus, UNLV Mendenhall Activity Center, Faraday Future

Ryne C. Stoker, CEO

Lochsa Engineering 6345 S. Jones Blvd., Suite 100 Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-365-9312 • lochsa.com

1995

Mark L. Hedge, Credit One Bank Office Complex, Riviera Demolition principal and Exhibit Lot, T-Mobile Arena

Geotechnical & Environmental Services Inc. 7150 Placid St. Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-365-1001 • gesnevada.com

1992

Paradise Whitney Interceptor, Project Neon, Thomas & Mack

Gregory P. DeSart, president/ owner

Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. 6671 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Suite 320 Las Vegas, NV 89119 702-862-3600 • kimley-horn.com

1991

IKEA, Resorts World Las Vegas, NHL Practice Facility

Ken Ackeret, principal

L.R. Nelson Consulting Engineers Inc. 6765 W. Russell Road, Suite 200 Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-798-7978 • irneng.com

1987

Chartan /Pioneer Elementary School, Rockpointe, Boulder Pines

Larry R. Nelson, president

MSA Engineering Consultants 370 E. Windmill Lane, Suite 100 Las Vegas, NV 89123 702-896-1100 • msa-lv.com

1997

Park Theater - Monte Carlo, Nevada State College, Student Union and Nursing Education Building, Silverton Timeshare Towers

David Melroy, president

Firm

Recent projects

Top local executive

Source: VEGAS INC research. It is not the intent of this list to endorse the participants or to imply that the listing of a company indicates its quality. Visit vegasinc.com for more. Although every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of VEGAS INC charts, omissions sometimes occur and some businesses do not respond. Please send corrections or additions on company letterhead to Clayt Keefer, research associate, VEGAS INC, 2275 Corporate Circle, Third floor, Henderson, NV 89074.

A Bank for Professionals by Professionals We’re a financially strong community bank who cares about you and your financial future. Organized by local businessmen to provide a good banking alternative to the communities we serve, our decisions are made by the bank’s Nevada-based board of directors. We offer a full suite of banking products and services in a highly personalized banking environment. All deposits FDIC insured to the maximum limits

702.471.2265 | meadowsbank.bank

THE CAREER YOU’VE ALWAYS IMAGINED.

BENEFITS YOU’D NEVER EXPECT. Southwest Medical Associates, part of Fortune 500 company OptumCare, is hiring Physicians, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners. We are one of southern Nevada’s oldest and largest provider teams, serving our region since 1972. We offer choice benefits and a coordinated care model that enables you to spend more time collaborating with your colleagues and serving your patients.

• $50,000 SIGNING

BONUS FOR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS

• Generous compensation and benefits packages • 30 health care clinic locations around the valley, so you are never far from the office and your patients are never far from you

We’ve created a professional environment where you can truly thrive because that’s how we make care better. For everyone.

• Opportunities in 9 specialties, Pediatrics, Adult Care, Home Health, Palliative Care, and Hospice

To start a rewarding career with Southwest Medical, go to smalv.com/careers.

• EMRs and a practice model that reduces administrative burdens and nurtures provider-patient time • The opportunity to grow within an always-growing team

SMALV.COM Southwest Medical Associates is part of OptumCare, a leading healthcare delivery organization that is reinventing healthcare to help keep people healthier and feeling their best. Southwest Medical is a trademark of Southwest Medical Associates, Inc. Optum and OptumCare are registered trademarks of Optum, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2017 Southwest Medical Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.

$3.00 for 2 Egg and Cheese English Muffin Sandwiches *No substitutions. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Coupon and barcode must be presented at time of purchase. Shop must retain coupon. No substitutions allowed. No cash refunds. Void if copied or transferred and where prohibited or restricted by law. Consumer must pay applicable tax. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, promotion combo or value meal. Coupon may not be reproduced, copied, purchased, traded or sold. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Cash redemption value: 1/20 of 1 cent. © 2016 DD IP Holder LLC. All rights reserved. Expires: 3/11/2017.

SERVING LAS VEGAS SINCE 1978 THE ONLY TRIBAL SMOKE SHOP IN LV

2 OFF per Carton* (Cigarettes only)

BUY ONE Entree, GET ONE up to $5 OFF 4533 W. SAHARA AVE. 10839 S. EASTERN AVE. 9355 W. FLAMINGO RD. 6960 S. RAINBOW BLVD. 2490 E. SUNSET RD. 2025 VILLAGE CENTER DR. OPEN EVERY DAY - 6AM TIL STOP SEATING AT 3PM

*Limit one discount per table. Must present coupon at checkout. Cannot be combined with other offers. Single diners: Not applicable on 1/2 entrees and gets up to $2.50 off. Redeemable Feb. 26 - Mar. 4, 2017 SUNDAY

KIDS EAT FREE 2 P.M. - 10 P.M. Weekdays

*For a Limited Time only at participating locations. Not valid at the Las Vegas Strip locations. Valid only Mondays through Fridays, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Not valid on weekends. Limit of one free Kid’s meal per adult entrée. Offer subject to change or expire without notice.

*Must be 18 years of age or older. NO LIMIT on any brand of carton purchased. Excludes fifiltered cigars. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Limit one discount given per customer per day. Must present this coupon for redemption. Cannot be redeemed for cash. No photocopies accepted. EXPIRES 2/28/2017. TS

Las Vegas Smoke Shop 1225 N. MAIN STREET, LV, NV 89101

Snow Mountain Smoke Shop 11525 NU-WAV KAIV BLVD, LV, NV 89124

(702) 366-1101 (702) 645-2957 www.LVPaiuteSmokeShop.com

Buy One Get One FREE Buffet or 50% OFF One Buffet VISIT A-PLAY® CLUB TO REDEEM COUPON Valid at S7 Buffet and based on full price purchase. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer, including A-Play Discounts. Must visit A-Play Club for coupon redemption prior to visiting buffet. Must be 21 years or older. Tax and gratuity not included. Complimentary value up to $12.99. Void if copied. Limit one coupon per week, per party. No cash value. May not be combined with any other coupon offer or discount; full retail pricing applies. Management reserves the right to cancel or discontinue this offer without prior notice. Not valid without A-Play® Club Card. Membership into the A-Play® Club is free. Offer expires 03/04/17. CP31491.

4100 PARADISE ROAD, LAS VEGAS, NV 89169

(702) 733-7000 www.SilverSevensCasino.com

KEEPERS OF THE WILD NATURE PARK

We Love. We Care. We Protect.

$2 OFF ADMISSION

Visit KeepersoftheWild.org for More Details

Guided Safari & Feeding Tours. Just a 2 Hour Drive From Vegas. Must present and surrender this coupon at Keepers of the Wild gift shop. Complete party must be present at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Offer valid per person on all General Admission Tickets. Valid through August 31, 2017. Void if duplicated.

$5 FREE Slot Play for New Members

Must become a Player Rewards Card member to redeem. Existing Player Rewards Card Members do not qualify. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other free slot play offer. Management reserves all rights. Limit of one (1) New Member free slot play offer per person and Player Rewards card. Group #5756. Valid 2/19/17 — 2/25/17.

725 S RACETRACK RD. HENDERSON, NV 89015

(702) 566-5555 www.clubfortunecasino.com

the sunday feb. 19-Feb. 25

life

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PREMIER CROSSWORD

“TECH COMPANY CLOSINGS” By frank longo

 top downloads of the week (as of feb. 14) albums on itunes

1 2 3 4 5

2/19/2017

Across No-elevator multistory 1 building 7 Prefix with bar or belief 10 Long tales 15 Boo-boo 19 Consider identical 20 Go-between: Abbr. 21 Roping event 22 NCAA’s Bruins 23 Protection for many bank tellers 26 “— cost ya!” 27 Closeout, e.g. 28 Preamble 29 Puzzler’s cry 30 Net vending 31 Kinnear of Hollywood 33 Reflections 36 Connecticut state song Spanish bull 41 42 Actor Ed 43 Yoko of the avant-garde 44 Mall binge, maybe 48 Get a pic of Wooden peg 51 52 “In a pickle,” e.g. 54 Part of ERA 55 “Bear” of the outback 56 Insignia 58 Three-section holder of bills 61 52, to Livy 62 Spanish surrealist 64 See 6-Down 65 Simpson judge Lance 66 Probe for 68 Journals 72 Really cries 76 Bass finale? 78 Notion, in Nancy 79 Yule song 81 Syllable after “oom” 82 Element like barium or radium 88 Hard but easily broken 90 Verse-writing, old-style 91 1940s pres. 92 Pricey hotel offering 94 Pact of the U.S., Can. and Mex. 95 University of Kentucky’s — Arena 96 Some aria singers 98 Vintage auto inits. 99 Adept

paid lifestyle apps

“I Make the Static” Joy Villa, $4.95

iLive Pix $1.99

“Lemonade” Beyoncé, $17.99

Pimp Your Screen $2.99

“Fifty Shades Darker” Various artists, $13.99

Stylebook $3.99 SENSE: Palm Reading $5.99

“24K Magic” Bruno Mars, $9.99

Monogram It! $0.99

“25” Adele, $10.99

100 Conflicted 102 Arbitrary security inspection 105 Collection for the Red Cross, say 110 Shrewd 111 Keno cousin 112 Water, in Nancy 113 Tweaks text 115 Unbox, e.g. 119 Napoleonic exile locale 120 2014 Kentucky Derby winner 124 Pennant, e.g. 125 From Tehran or Tabriz 126 Elegant shade tree 127 1991 horror film sequel subtitled “The Awakening” 128 “Rent” actor Diggs 129 Pastis base 130 South Korea’s Kim — -jung 131 Tech giant whose name can precede nine words in this puzzle

38 Tyro, slangily 39 “The Spy Who Loved Me” actor Richard 40 Getting the job done 45 Brochure or blurb, maybe 46 Settle from the bench 47 Terminus 49 Stein drink 50 Too glib 52 Skye, e.g. 53 Babysitters, e.g. 55 “Krazy —” 57 Cuban patriot José 59 Terrif 60 Less naive 63 Most frigid 67 Compact SUV model 69 “— a Nightingale” 70 Singer Chris 71 Basketball’s Bryant 73 Select Like Latvia or Lithuania 74 75 Sword cover 77 Duplicitous 80 Actor Hal 82 Mo. with Arbor Day DOWN 83 Reed of rock 1 Attic sights 2 Watery color 84 Held off 3 Abatement 85 Flyers’ gp. 4 Frilly green 86 Blushed 5 Rugged truck, in brief 87 Hurried, quaintly 6 With 64-Across, 89 “Sharknado” actress Reid snookums or sweetie, say 93 Occurred gradually 7 Real nice 96 House pest “— it!” (outfield call) 8 97 Mysore “Mr.” 9 Extra entryway for bad 99 Ending of enzymes weather 101 Los del — (“Macarena” 10 Physicist’s work unit duo) 11 Diametrically opposite 103 Chevy debut of 2004 Sun Valley’s state 12 104 Plateau’s kin Romero or Franck 13 105 Rock fissure “Help me!” 14 15 Parts of many rock songs 106 Shout out, colloquially 107 Hanker 16 Eight-sided 108 — Lama 17 Stan’s pal in old films 109 Devastates 18 Drops 114 Visiting H’wood, say 24 — -à-terre 115 Black-and-white cookie 25 Kitchen wrap 116 Atari classic 30 Genre of rock 117 Jannings of “Quo Vadis” 31 Coagulated 118 “54” actress Campbell 32 Fam. member 120 U.S. org. with moles 34 High- — graphics 121 Archaic “Curses!” 35 Suffix with favor or zinc 122 Machine part 36 Mountaintop melodies 37 Societal breakdown 123 Gp. with a copay

without repeating. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 through 4 (easy) or 1 through 6 (challenging)

The numbers within the heavily outlined boxes, called cages, must combine using the given operation (in any order) to produce the

target numbers in the top-left corners. Freebies: Fill in single-box cages with the number in the top-left corner.

For answers to this week’s puzzles, go to Page 41

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A BETTER CUP OF COFFEE IS WAITING FOR YOU AT TUSCANY Proudly Brewing & Serving Coffee • • • •

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Together,

we’ll flummox the flu.

When the flu hits your little ones, we’re ready to get them back on their feet. At Sunrise Children’s Hospital, we’re not just the largest pediatric emergency room in the Las Vegas area, we’re also your partner who’s always ready to take care of your kids 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When we partner with parents we are Amazing Together. For more information visit us at

SunriseChildrensHospital.com

Text ER to 23000 for Average Wait Time.